Ink remains in the dermis rather than the epidermis because the dermis is deeper and more stable. Which option best reflects this concept?

• A. The epidermis is deep and stable.
• B. The dermis is deeper and more stable, trapping ink in place.
• C. Ink diffuses equally between layers.
• D. The epidermis regenerates slowly, trapping pigment.

Answer: (B)

Ink stays in the dermis because that layer is deeper and far more stable, with far slower cell turnover than the epidermis. The epidermis is the outer skin layer that constantly renews and sheds old cells, so any pigment placed there would gradually be lost as the surface sloughs off. The dermis, by contrast, has a dense, stable connective-tissue framework where pigment particles can become embedded and remain in place for a long time. Depositing ink into the dermis thus prevents it from being carried away by epidermal shedding, which is why the statement about the dermis being deeper and more stable and trapping ink in place is the best description. The epidermis is not deep and stable, it renews quickly; ink is not guaranteed to diffuse equally; and the idea that the epidermis regenerates slowly is incorrect.