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Cross-section of human skin
Normal Epidermis and Dermis with Intradermal Nevus 10x.JPG
Cross section of skin under a microscope
Part ofSkin
Anatomical terminology



The dermis is composed of three major types of cells:[3] fibroblasts, macrophages, and mast cells.



Illustration of dermal circulation and layers

Papillary dermis[edit]

The papillary dermis is the uppermost layer of the dermis. It intertwines with the rete ridges of the epidermis and is composed of fine and loosely arranged collagen fibers.[2] The papillary region is composed of loose areolar connective tissue. It is named for its fingerlike projections called papillae or dermal papillae specifically, that extend toward the epidermis and contain either terminal networks of blood capillaries or tactile Meissner's corpuscles.[4]

Dermal papillae[edit]

Dermal papillae

A. Side view of a papilla of the hand.
a. Cortical layer.
b. Tactile corpuscle.
c. Small nerve of the papilla, with neurolemma.
e. Apparent termination of one of these fibers.

a. Cortical layer.
b. Nerve fiber.
c. Outer layer of the tactile body, with nuclei.
d. Clear interior substance.
Latinpapillae dermis
Anatomical terminology

The dermal papillae (DP) (singular papilla, diminutive of Latin papula, 'pimple') are small, nipple-like extensions (or interdigitations) of the dermis into the epidermis. At the surface of the skin in hands and feet, they appear as epidermal, papillary or friction ridges (colloquially known as fingerprints).



The skin of the hands and fingers and the feet and toes is known by forensic scientists as friction ridge skin. It is known by anatomists as thick skin, volar skin or hairless skin. It has raised ridges, a thicker and more complex epidermis, increased sensory abilities, and the absence of hair and sebaceous glands. The ridges increase friction for improved grasping.[7]


In mucous membranes, the equivalent structures to dermal papillae are generally termed "connective tissue papillae", which interdigitate with the rete pegs of the superficial epithelium. Dermal papillae are less pronounced in thin skin areas.

Reticular dermis[edit]

The reticular dermis is the lower layer of the dermis, found under the papillary dermis, composed of dense irregular connective tissue featuring densely-packed collagen fibers. It is the primary location of dermal elastic fibers.[2]


See also[edit]


  3. ^ a b malvi (4 March 2011). "The Ageing Skin - Part 1 - Structure of Skin and Introduction - Articles".
  4. ^[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ "Dermal papillae". Probert Encyclopaedia. Archived from the original on 2011-06-08.
  6. ^ "Friction Skin". Ridges and Furrows.
  7. ^ Hicklin, R. Austin (2009). "Anatomy of Friction Ridge Skin". Encyclopedia of Biometrics. Springer US: 23–28. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-73003-5_48.