A. the subcutaneous layer, but no deeper: The subcutaneous layer lies beneath the dermis and contains fat and connective tissue. A cut reaching this layer would likely cause significant bleeding and deeper tissue pain, which does not match Anthony’s wound. B. the papillary layer but not the reticular layer: The papillary layer is the upper portion of the dermis, just below the epidermis. Superficial cuts that are painful but not bleeding typically affect this layer, as it contains nerve endings that produce pain, but it is above the deeper reticular layer where larger blood vessels reside. C. the stratum basale but not the dermal layers: The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis. While cuts affecting only this layer may cause mild discomfort, they rarely produce the type of superficial pain described, and they do not reach the dermis where more pain receptors are located. D. the stratum corneum but not the stratum granulosum: The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and contains dead cells. A cut limited to this layer is usually painless and superficial, without causing noticeable pain.