The Dermis
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Figure 3. Cells of the skin
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin, between the epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue
It consists of connective tissue fibres (collagen), nerve fibres and blood lymph vessels
It has two sub-layers, the papillary dermis and the reticular dermis
Please click the buttons below to learn more about each layer:
Papillary Dermis
- The papillary dermis is a thin layer of firm collagen fibres and gel-like ground substance found just below the basal lamina
- The dermis layer has many small, upwards projections called dermal papillae
- Dermal papillae also host nerves, lymph vessels and capillaries that serve in nourishing the cells of the epidermis
Reticular Dermis
- The reticular dermis is much thicker and consists of firm collagen bundles, elastic fibres and ground substance
Subcutaneous Tissue
- Below the dermis this layer consists mainly of looser bundles of collagen and fat
- The subcutaneous tissue layer supports the vessels and nerves of the dermis and also acts as an energy store
- The erector pili muscles are also sited here
- These contract to raise the hair and dimple the skin when the external temperature drops forming 'goose bumps' as a heat saving mechanism
Layers of the Epidermis
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