Oregon Written Tattoo Practice Test

Where is tattoo ink deposited in the skin?

1. In the Epidermis layer

2. In the Dermis layer

3. In the Subcutaneous layer

4. In the Fatty tissue

The correct answer is: In the Dermis layer

Tattoo ink is deposited in the dermis layer of the skin, which lies beneath the epidermis. This layer is crucial for the permanence of tattoos because the dermis contains fibrous connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings, providing a stable environment for the ink particles. When a tattoo is applied, the needles penetrate through the epidermis and deliver the ink into the dermis, where it can be held in place by the skin's natural healing response. This allows the tattoo to remain visible over time, despite the cells in the epidermis shedding and regenerating. In contrast, if ink were deposited solely in the epidermis, the tattoo would fade and require frequent touch-ups, as this outer layer of skin is constantly renewing itself. The subcutaneous layer and fatty tissue lie beneath the dermis and do not play a role in holding tattoo ink; therefore, they are not suitable locations for tattoo application.