Which component is NOT found in the dermis?

The dermis is the middle layer of the skin, situated between the outer epidermis and the underlying subcutaneous tissue. This layer is rich in connective tissue and is responsible for the structural integrity and elasticity of the skin.

Sweat glands, nerve endings, and hair follicles are all integral components of the dermis. Sweat glands play a crucial role in thermoregulation and excretory functions. The presence of nerve endings allows the skin to respond to various stimuli, contributing to our sense of touch, pain, and temperature. Hair follicles are embedded in the dermal layer, providing roots for hair growth and connections to sebaceous (oil) glands.

In contrast, dead cells are primarily found in the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, particularly in the stratum corneum. This layer is composed of keratinized, dead epithelial cells that provide a protective barrier. Therefore, the correct identification of dead cells as not being a component of the dermis highlights the distinct functions and structures of the various skin layers.