Dermis

Dermis

1. Basal lamina

   • Found between the stratum germinativum and the papillary layer of the dermis

2. Dermis= connective tissue that supports the epidermis and binds it to subcutaneous tissue

3. Thickness of the dermis varies according to region of the body

4. Surface = very irregular; has many projections that interdigitate with projections of the epidermis

5. 2 layers

   • Reticular layer
     • Thick, composed of irregular dense connective tissue, more fibers (type 1 and 3), fewer cells than papillary layer.
     • contains network of the elastic system fibers, responsible for elasticity of the skin, principle gycosaminoglycan is dermatan sulfate
   • Papillary layer
     • Composed of loose connective tissue; constitutes the dermal papillae
     • special collagen fibrils (type vii) insert into the basal lamina and extend into dermis. They bind the dermis to the epidermis and are called anchoring fibrils.