The papillary layer of the dermis is most closely associated with which layer of the epidermis?
A. stratum spinosum
B. stratum corneum
C. stratum granulosum
D. stratum basale
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and elastin fibers of this layer form a loose mesh. This superficial layer of the dermis projects into the stratum basale of the epidermis to form finger-like dermal papillae.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.