Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

What layer of the integumentary system contains the sweat glands?

1. Hypodermis

2. Dermis

3. Epidermis

4. Subcutaneous

The correct answer is: Dermis

The correct answer is the dermis, as this layer of the integumentary system is where sweat glands are found. The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and is composed of dense connective tissue, which provides strength and elasticity to the skin. It contains various structures, including blood vessels, hair follicles, and nerve endings, as well as the sweat glands and sebaceous glands (oil glands). Sweat glands play an important role in thermoregulation by producing sweat, which helps to cool the body when it evaporates from the skin's surface. The presence of these glands in the dermis is crucial for the body's ability to maintain a stable internal temperature. In contrast, the epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and does not contain any sweat glands. The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, is primarily composed of fat and connective tissue, serving as an insulating layer and energy reserve, but it too is not where the sweat glands are located.