Which part of the skin houses the hair follicles?

The dermis is the correct answer because it is the middle layer of the skin and contains a variety of structures, including hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous (oil) glands. Hair follicles originate in the dermis and extend through the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. The dermis provides the necessary support and nourishment for the hair follicles, as it is rich in blood vessels and connective tissue.

The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, lies beneath the dermis and primarily consists of fat and connective tissue. While it provides insulation and cushioning, it does not contain hair follicles.

The epidermis is the outer layer of skin and does not house hair follicles but does contain cells that contribute to the protective barrier function of the skin.

Overall, the dermis is the key layer involved in the structure and function of hair follicles.