Where in the skin are nerve endings primarily located?

Nerve endings are primarily located in the dermis layer of the skin. The dermis is situated beneath the outer epidermis and is rich in connective tissue, blood vessels, and various types of sensory nerve endings. These nerve endings are responsible for detecting sensations such as touch, pressure, pain, and temperature. The density and variety of these nerve receptors are crucial for the skin's ability to interact with the environment, allowing for the perception of tactile stimuli and potential harm, such as extreme temperatures.

While the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, does provide some protective functions and houses a few specialized sensory cells, it is not the primary site for nerve endings. The subcutaneous tissue lies beneath the dermis and primarily consists of fat and connective tissue, serving functions related to insulation and cushioning rather than sensation. Thus, the dermis is the correct answer as it contains most of the sensory nerves that enable the skin to perform its sensory functions.