Which of the following layers of the skin lacks blood vessels?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
The correct answer is Epidermis.
- The skin is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis (which includes the papillary and reticular layers), and the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue).
- Among these, the epidermis is the outermost layer and is primarily made up of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
- The epidermis lacks blood vessels, which means it is avascular. Because of this, it depends on the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen from the underlying vascularized dermis to sustain its cells.
- The papillary dermis and reticular dermis are layers within the dermis and both contain an extensive network of blood vessels, which supply nutrients to the skin and aid in thermoregulation.
- The hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, also contains blood vessels and serves as a site for fat storage and cushioning.
This avascular nature of the epidermis is essential for its protective function but also affects its ability to heal and regenerate rapidly.
Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Chapter 1 – Skin and Soft Tissue
- The skin is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis (which includes the papillary and reticular layers), and the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue).
- Among these, the epidermis is the outermost layer and is primarily made up of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
- The epidermis lacks blood vessels, which means it is avascular. Because of this, it depends on the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen from the underlying vascularized dermis to sustain its cells.
- The papillary dermis and reticular dermis are layers within the dermis and both contain an extensive network of blood vessels, which supply nutrients to the skin and aid in thermoregulation.
- The hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, also contains blood vessels and serves as a site for fat storage and cushioning.
This avascular nature of the epidermis is essential for its protective function but also affects its ability to heal and regenerate rapidly.
Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Chapter 1 – Skin and Soft Tissue
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