What skin layer is primarily responsible for the sensation of touch?

The dermis is the skin layer primarily responsible for the sensation of touch due to its rich supply of nerve endings and sensory receptors. Located beneath the epidermis, the dermis contains structures like mechanoreceptors that detect pressure, vibration, and texture. These receptors send signals to the brain, allowing the body to interpret various tactile sensations.

While the epidermis serves as the outer protective barrier of the skin and has a role in sensing through nociceptors for pain and thermoreceptors for temperature, it is the dermis that is more densely populated with the receptors necessary for the detailed sense of touch. The subcutaneous layer, or hypodermis, mainly comprises fat and connective tissues and provides insulation and cushioning, rather than primary sensory functions. Hence, the dermis is the correct answer, as it is specifically designed to facilitate touch perception.