Final answer:
The dermis is the second layer of the skin, located beneath the epidermis and above the hypodermis, containing connective tissues, blood vessels, nerves, and skin appendages such as hair follicles and glands.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, the dermis is indeed the second layer of the skin. It sits directly below the epidermis, and above the hypodermis, which is not technically part of the skin. The dermis is a vital component of the integumentary system and is composed of two layers of connective tissue that are rich in collagen and elastin fibers. These layers are known as the papillary and reticular layers. The dermis is responsible for much of the skin's structural integrity and contains numerous important structures, including:
- Blood and lymph vessels
- Nerves
- Hair follicles
- Sweat glands
- Oil glands
The dermis is also home to many sensory receptors that give us the sense of touch, pressure, heat, cold, and pain. With the papillary layer being the uppermost layer of the dermis, it interlocks with the epidermis, providing structural integrity, while the deeper reticular layer houses the denser connective tissues.