What is the function of the dermis and what layers are contained within the dermis?

Answer 1

Dermis From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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This article is about the layer of skin. For the website, see DermIS (Dermatology Information System).

DermisLatindermis; coriumCodeTH H3.12.00.1.03001 A graphic representation of the interface between skin epithelium and the underlying connective tissue. Zone B, indicating the region of overlapping projections of epithelium and connective tissue, is the papillary dermis. Zone C, indicating the region of dermis that lies immediately subjacent to the interdigitations of epithelium, is the reticular dermis.

The dermis is a layer of skin between the epidermis (with which it makes up the cutis) and subcutaneous tissues, that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. It is divided into two layers, the superficial area adjacent to the epidermis called the papillary region and a deep thicker area known as the reticular dermis.[1] The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis through a basement membrane. Structural components of the dermis are collagen, elastic fibers, and extrafibrillar matrix (previously called ground substance).[2] It also contains Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat, hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, lymphatic vessels and blood vessels. Those blood vessels provide nourishment and waste removal for both dermal and epidermal cells.

Components of the DermisThe dermis is composed of three major types of cells[3]: Fibroblasts, Macrophages, and Adipocytes.

Apart from these cells, the dermis is also composed of matrix components such as collagen (which provides strength), elastin (which provides elasticity), the epidermis, and glycosaminoglycans.[3]

LayersStratum papillareThe papillary region is composed of loose areolar connective tissue. This is named for its fingerlike projections called papillae, that extend toward the epidermis and contain either terminal networks of blood capillaries or tactile Meissner's corpuscles.[4] Stratum reticulareThe reticular region lies under the papillary region and is usually much thicker. It is composed of dense irregular connective tissue, and receives its name from the dense concentration of collagenous, elastic, and reticular fibers that weave throughout it. These protein fibers give the dermis its properties of strength, extensibility, and elasticity. Also located within the reticular region are the roots of the hair, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, receptors, nails, and blood vessels. Additional images

• Epidermis and dermis of human skin.

• Cross-section of all human skin layers.

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