Which option is NOT listed as a trait of the epidermis in the material?

Which option is NOT listed as a trait of the epidermis in the material?

• A. Dead skin cells and keratin
• B. Nerves are close to the surface giving us the feeling of touch
• C. Good resistance to chemicals
• D. Contains blood vessels

Answer: (D)

Think about what the epidermis is and does: it’s the outer protective layer made up of keratinized, often dead cells. That dead, keratin-rich surface provides a tough barrier and contributes to chemical resistance, so the idea of good resistance to chemicals fits well with the epidermis’s protective role. Nerve endings do extend to the surface area near the epidermis, helping us sense touch and other stimuli, so having nerves close to the surface is also consistent with epidermal function. The crucial point is that the epidermis has no blood vessels; it relies on diffusion from vessels in the underlying dermis to supply nutrients and oxygen. Because of that, a statement claiming the epidermis contains blood vessels is not a feature of this layer.

Think about what the epidermis is and does: it’s the outer protective layer made up of keratinized, often dead cells. That dead, keratin-rich surface provides a tough barrier and contributes to chemical resistance, so the idea of good resistance to chemicals fits well with the epidermis’s protective role. Nerve endings do extend to the surface area near the epidermis, helping us sense touch and other stimuli, so having nerves close to the surface is also consistent with epidermal function. The crucial point is that the epidermis has no blood vessels; it relies on diffusion from vessels in the underlying dermis to supply nutrients and oxygen. Because of that, a statement claiming the epidermis contains blood vessels is not a feature of this layer.