Which layer of the skin contains the hair follicles?

The dermis is the layer of skin that contains hair follicles, along with other structures such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and blood vessels. This layer is situated beneath the epidermis and is significantly thicker, providing both structural support and nourishment to the skin. The hair follicles are embedded in the dermis, which is responsible for supporting hair growth through the associated blood supply and nutrients.

In contrast, the epidermis is the outermost layer of skin that acts as a barrier and does not contain hair follicles. The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, lies beneath the dermis and primarily consists of fat and connective tissue, serving as insulation and a cushion for the body. The stratum corneum is the uppermost layer of the epidermis, made up of dead skin cells that provide a protective barrier but do not contain any hair follicles. These distinctions clarify why the dermis is the correct answer regarding the location of hair follicles.