Which layer of skin contains the majority of skin structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands?

The dermis is the layer of skin that contains the majority of skin structures, including hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, blood vessels, and nerve endings. It lies beneath the epidermis and is made up of connective tissue that provides strength and flexibility to the skin. This layer is vital for thermoregulation and sensation, functioning as a supportive framework for the epidermis above.

In contrast, the epidermis is the outermost layer, primarily responsible for providing a protective barrier and does not contain these complex structures. The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, primarily consists of fat and connective tissues, serving as an insulator and shock absorber. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis itself, composed of dead skin cells that help prevent water loss but lacks the appendages found in the dermis. This makes the dermis the correct answer as it is the primary location where specialized skin structures are housed.