Final answer:
The superficial surface of the papillary layer of the dermis has structures called dermal papillae, which contain blood vessels and touch receptors and strengthen the connection between the dermis and epidermis.
So, the correct asnwer is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The papillary layer is the uppermost layer of the dermis, featuring a network of collagen and elastin fibers and a large number of blood vessels. The structures that protrude into the stratum basale of the epidermis are known as dermal papillae. These papillae are not only vascular but are also sensory, containing touch receptors like Meissner corpuscles. They are integral for strengthening the connection between the dermal and epidermal layers and are responsible for the patterns we recognize as fingerprints.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is A) dermal papillae.