What surrounds the nipple and contains sebaceous glands?

The structure that surrounds the nipple and contains sebaceous glands is the areola. The areola is the pigmented area of skin that encircles the nipple, and it plays a significant role in breastfeeding as it helps to facilitate infant attachment to the breast. The sebaceous glands located in the areola produce an oily secretion that helps lubricate and protect the nipple during nursing. This secretion can also have antimicrobial properties, which helps to reduce the risk of infection.

In contrast, the corium refers to the dermal layer of skin and does not specifically indicate the area around the nipple. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, providing a protective barrier, but it does not contain the specific glands mentioned in the question relevant to the nipple area. The subcutaneous layer consists of fatty tissues and connective tissues but does not surround the nipple itself or contain sebaceous glands related to that specific anatomical region. Therefore, the areola is the correct choice due to its association with both the nipple's anatomical position and its functional glands.