Accessory structures of the skin include which of the following?

The correct answer highlights that accessory structures of the skin include both sweat glands and hair follicles. These components serve crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis and overall skin health.

Sweat glands are significant for thermoregulation as they help regulate body temperature through the process of sweating. When the body heats up, these glands produce sweat, which evaporates off the skin's surface, cooling the body down.

Hair follicles, on the other hand, are vital for hair growth. Each hair follicle anchors a hair strand and aids in its development. Hair provides insulation and protection for the skin and contributes to sensory functions as well.

Both structures are considered accessory because they are not primary layers of the skin like the epidermis, dermis, or hypodermis but provide essential functions that support the skin's overall health and effectiveness. Nerves, while important for sensory functions and signaling, don’t qualify as accessory structures of the skin in the same context, which is why they are not included in the correct answer.