Which layer lies beneath the skin and contains adipose tissue and blood vessels?

• A. Stratum Spinosum
• B. Melanocyte
• C. Stratum Granulosum
• D. Hypodermis

Answer: (D)

The layer beneath the skin that contains adipose tissue and blood vessels is the hypodermis, also called the subcutaneous tissue. This layer is primarily made up of fat cells, which store energy, provide insulation to help regulate body temperature, and cushion the body from impact. It also houses larger blood vessels that supply the skin and play a role in temperature control. The upper skin layers, the epidermis, include the strata like Stratum Spinosum and Stratum Granulosum, and pigment cells called melanocytes, but those are part of the epidermis, not the layer beneath. So the hypodermis best fits the description.