- The dermis is the layer of the skin lying between the epidermis and subcutaneous fat.
- It is mainly responsible for the strength of the skin.
- It also feeds the epidermis as blood vessels are present.
- It also contains nerves and plays a crucial role in the regulation of body temperature.
- It is divided in reticular dermis and papillary dermis.
- The difference is mainly in the density of components and the papillary dermis is in close contact with the epidermis.
- Dermal papillae are projections of the dermis into the epidermis: they contain blood vessels and are in close contact which the epidermal stem cells located in the basal layer.
- The dermis is primarily affected in conditions such as Scleroderma and Granuloma Annulare and is involved in the inflammatory components of Psoriasis and Eczema.