Dermis Layer

Dermis

The skin's functional layer located beneath the epidermis, primarily made of connective tissue.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that primarily functions to hold things together, including tendons and proteins like collagen and elastin.

The dermis is composed of two strata’s.

Papillary Dermis and Reticular Dermis.

Papillary Dermis

The topmost layer of the dermis characterized by thin, loose connective tissue, allowing for movement and flexibility.

Most superficial layer of skin containing blood vessels.

Blood Vessels (in Papillary Dermis)

Capillaries in the papillary dermis that deliver oxygen and nutrients to both the dermis and epidermis.

Nerve Endings

Structures in the dermis responsible for the perception of touch and pain.

Reticular Dermis

The layer below the papillary dermis containing thicker, denser connective tissue that anchors structures within the skin.

Reticular Dermis contains:

Glands (exocrine), hair follicles, and arrector pili muscle.

Glands (in Reticular Dermis)

Structures such as sweat glands and exocrine glands that originate in the reticular dermis and secrete contents onto the epidermis.

Hair Follicles

Anchored structures in the reticular dermis that allow hair to grow and protrude through the epidermis.

Arrector Pili Muscle

A muscle connected to hair follicles that causes hair to stand up when cold or scared.

Hypodermis

Also known as subcutaneous fat, this layer is located below the dermis and primarily composed of fat.

What are the hypodermis’s two main functions?

Shock absorption and insulation.

Shock Absorption

A primary function of the hypodermis, allowing the body to withstand traumatic injuries.

Insulation

A function of the hypodermis that helps to insulate underlying tissues like muscle and bone.

Diagnosing Burns.

A burn degree depends on the different layers of skin.

First degree burns

only affect the epidermis, causing redness and minor pain.

Second degree burns

Affect both the epidermis and part of the dermis, leading to blisters, swelling, and reduced pain due to nerve damage. Painful over-healing.

Third degree burns

Affects the hypodermis and below, damaging the fat, muscle, bone, and darker coloration. No pain due to destruction of nerve tissue.