What layer of skin contains connective tissue and supports sweat glands and hair follicles?

The dermis is the layer of skin that is located beneath the epidermis and is rich in connective tissue, which provides structural support to the skin. This layer is essential for housing key components such as sweat glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, and nerves. The connective tissue in the dermis contains collagen and elastin fibers, which contribute to the skin's strength and elasticity.

In contrast, the epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, primarily composed of keratinocytes, and does not contain blood vessels or any connective tissues. The hypodermis and subcutaneous layer, terms that are often used interchangeably, refer to the tissue beneath the dermis that primarily consists of fat and connective tissue, serving as insulation and a cushion for the body, rather than directly supporting skin structures like sweat glands and hair follicles found in the dermis. Thus, the dermis is the correct answer as it directly contains and supports the functions of sweat glands and hair follicles.