Which structure forms part of the superficial dermis and contains dermal papillae?

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Multiple Choice

Which structure forms part of the superficial dermis and contains dermal papillae?

The papillary layer is the superficial part of the dermis just beneath the epidermis and is made of loose connective tissue. It forms the layer that contains dermal papillae, the small finger‑like projections that extend into the epidermis. These papillae increase surface area for nutrient exchange from the capillaries in this layer and help anchor the epidermis to the dermis at the dermal‑epidermal junction, contributing to the strength of the skin and the formation of fingerprints. The other options don’t fit because dermal papillae are projections, not a tissue layer; the reticular layer is the deeper part of the dermis; capillaries are vessels within the papillary layer, not structures that contain dermal papillae.

The papillary layer is the superficial part of the dermis just beneath the epidermis and is made of loose connective tissue. It forms the layer that contains dermal papillae, the small finger‑like projections that extend into the epidermis. These papillae increase surface area for nutrient exchange from the capillaries in this layer and help anchor the epidermis to the dermis at the dermal‑epidermal junction, contributing to the strength of the skin and the formation of fingerprints. The other options don’t fit because dermal papillae are projections, not a tissue layer; the reticular layer is the deeper part of the dermis; capillaries are vessels within the papillary layer, not structures that contain dermal papillae.

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