Which layer of the skin is responsible for thermoregulation?

The dermis is the layer of the skin responsible for thermoregulation due to its rich supply of blood vessels, sweat glands, and nerve endings. This layer plays a critical role in maintaining body temperature through processes such as vasodilation and vasoconstriction. When the body is too warm, blood vessels in the dermis dilate, allowing more blood to flow close to the skin's surface, which facilitates heat loss. Conversely, when the body is cold, these blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the skin and conserving body heat.

Additionally, sweat glands located in the dermis aid in cooling the body through the evaporation of sweat. When the temperature rises, these glands produce sweat, which cools the skin and, by extension, the body when it evaporates. The combination of these functions in the dermis highlights its vital role in regulating body temperature effectively.