The dermal layer responsible for fingerprints is the papillary layer.
stratum germinativum
No, the papillary layer is found in all the skin (thin and thick), not only hands and feet. Besides the curves are miniature. :)
The epidermis layer is responsible since it is the outer most layer of skin.
epidermal ridges and sweat pores
papillary layer
The dermal tissue structures responsible for fingerprints are dermal papillae. They are tiny extensions of the dermis into the epidermis.
papillary layer is responsible for fingerprints
Stratum Lucidum
reticular layer is responsible for tension lines in the skin
dermal papillae
The dermal papillae are small, nipple-like protrusions of the dermis that reach into the epidermis, bringing food and oxygen to the lower layers of epidermal cells. In addition, a papilla nourishes every hair follicle. Rows of papillae protruding from the dermis into the epidermis form ridges that create patterns on the skin of the hands, feet, and body. These papillary ridges on the fingertips are responsible for fingerprints. These ridges develop sometime before birth. Not only is the pattern unique for each individual, but also it never changes except to grow larger.
Dermal papillae
dermal papilla
dermal papillae that create epidermal ridges
Dermal papillae
collagen fibers and resilient elastic fibers
Below the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, is the dermis.At the top of the dermis lies the papillary layer which connects with the deepest layer of the epidermis, the stratum germinativum. The papillary layer supplies blood and nutrients to the germinativum with lots of dermal papillae which form waves all along this layer. These waves form the ridges and valleys to form fingerprints which show on the epidermis.