Which layer of body tissue is responsible for containing the organs of the skin?

The correct answer is the dermis, as it is the layer of skin that lies beneath the epidermis and contains the majority of the skin’s structures, including blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and various other sensory structures. The dermis plays a crucial role in providing strength and elasticity to the skin, as well as housing many important functions related to sensation and thermoregulation.

The dermis is composed of connective tissue that supports the epidermis above it and is essential for protecting and containing the organs of the skin. This layer also aids in nourishing the epidermis through its blood supply and helps in healing injuries due to its rich supply of collagen and elastin fibers, which contribute to the skin's overall integrity and ability to recover from damage.

In terms of the other options, the hypodermis (or subcutaneous layer) primarily functions as a layer of fat that provides insulation and cushioning for the body but does not directly contain the organs of the skin itself. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and does not contain structures like glands or blood vessels that are found in the dermis. Therefore, understanding the specific roles and characteristics of these skin layers clarifies why the dermis is the correct answer to the