Which layer is the middle layer of the skin that contains collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibers?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Dermis
• C. Hypodermis
• D. Stratum lucidum

Answer: (B)

The middle layer of the skin is the dermis, a dense connective tissue layer rich in collagen, elastic fibers, and reticular fibers. Collagen provides strength and helps resist tearing, elastic fibers give skin its stretch and ability to recoil, and reticular fibers form a supportive network that helps anchor hair follicles, sweat glands, and blood vessels. The dermis lies beneath the outer epidermis and above the deeper hypodermis. The epidermis is the thin, outer protective layer made mainly of keratinocytes, and the stratum lucidum is a clear sublayer found only in thick skin within the epidermis. The hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, sits beneath the dermis and contains mostly fat. So the description points to the dermis.