Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which layer of skin contains capillary loops and is sensitive to pressure?

1. Reticular dermis

2. Papillary dermis

3. Epidermis

4. Subcutaneous tissue

The correct answer is: Papillary dermis

The papillary dermis is the correct answer because it is the uppermost layer of the dermis, located just beneath the epidermis. This layer contains a network of small blood vessels known as capillary loops, which play a critical role in thermoregulation and supplying nutrients to the epidermis. Additionally, the papillary dermis is rich in sensory nerve endings that make it highly sensitive to pressure and touch. This sensitivity is essential for the body's ability to perceive and respond to external stimuli, providing crucial feedback that helps protect the body from potential harm. In contrast, the other layers do not share these specific characteristics. The reticular dermis is located below the papillary dermis and is denser and thicker, containing larger blood vessels, collagen, and elastic fibers, but it does not have the same network of capillaries or sensitivity to pressure. The epidermis lacks blood vessels entirely and primarily serves as a protective barrier, while the subcutaneous tissue, which lies beneath the dermis, primarily consists of fat and connective tissue and does not contain capillary loops or sensory structures associated with pressure sensitivity.