Dermis, Skin Proper (Corium)

Dermis, Skin Proper (Corium): Anatomy and Functions

The dermis, also known as the skin proper or corium, is the second layer of skin located below the epidermis. The dermis consists of connective tissue and includes two layers: papillary and reticular.

The papillary layer of the dermis is formed by loose fibrous connective tissue, which forms conical papillae that penetrate the epidermis. These papillae are called dermatoglyphs and are the basis for fingerprints and palm prints. The reticular layer consists of dense, unformed connective tissue.

The dermis contains many blood vessels, capillaries, lymphatic vessels, sensory nerve endings (receptors), sweat glands and their ducts, hair follicles, sebaceous glands and smooth muscle fibers. Blood vessels provide the skin with oxygen and nutrients, and also remove metabolic waste products. Lymphatic vessels play an important role in protecting the body from infections.

Receptors in the dermis are sensitive to various types of stimuli such as pressure, temperature, pain and so on. They transmit information to the nervous system, which allows the body to respond to the environment.

Sweat glands and their ducts play an important role in the body's thermoregulation by secreting sweat, which evaporates and cools the skin. The sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which lubricates and protects the skin.

Hair follicles are located in the dermis and contain hair. They also play a role in thermoregulation and skin protection.

Smooth muscle fibers are found in the walls of blood vessels and hair follicles, allowing them to contract and dilate to regulate blood flow and heat exchange.

Overall, the dermis is an important organ that performs many functions, including maintaining the structure and elasticity of the skin, protecting the body from external factors, regulating body temperature, and transmitting information to the nervous system. Understanding the anatomy and function of the dermis is important to maintaining skin health and preventing skin disease.



The dermis (Dermis), the skin itself (Corium) is one of the main components of the skin and plays an important role in maintaining its structure and functions. Located under the epidermis, the skin itself consists of connective tissue and has a thickness varying from 0.5 to 5 mm.

The dermis is divided into two main layers: the papillary and reticular layers. The papillary layer consists of loose fibrous connective tissue that forms conical papillae that penetrate the epidermis. This structure provides a strong bond between the epidermis and dermis and helps maintain skin stability. The reticular layer, located below the papillary layer, consists of denser, unformed connective tissue.

The dermis contains many blood vessels, capillaries and lymphatic vessels that provide nutrition and oxygenation to the skin and also help remove waste and toxins. The dermis also contains sensory nerve endings, or receptors, that are responsible for sensing various stimuli, such as pain, pressure and heat. Thanks to these receptors, we are able to sense and respond to our environment.

The dermis also contains sweat glands and their ducts, which secrete sweat, helping to cool the body and maintain its temperature within normal limits. Hair follicles, where hair grows from, are also found in the dermis. In addition, sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (oil), and smooth muscle fibers, which contract and help move hair follicles and blood vessels, are also found in the dermis.

The dermis plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and ensuring its functions. It provides support and protection for the epidermis, provides nutrition and blood supply, and helps regulate temperature and sensation. When the dermis is damaged, such as wounds or burns, it is able to recover and heal thanks to its regenerative ability.

In conclusion, the dermis, or the skin itself, is an important layer of the skin made up of various components that work together to maintain healthy and functional skin. Its structure and function are integral to the functioning of all skin and contribute to our overall sense of comfort, protection and interaction with the environment.



The dermis and skin proper are two terms that are often used in the context of the study of skin. However, what do they actually mean?

The dermis is a layer of skin that is located under the epidermis and has a thickness of 0.5 to 5 millimeters. It consists of connective tissue, which forms the papillary and reticular layers.

The papillary layer is formed from loose fibrous tissue that penetrates the epidermis and forms conical projections. The mesh layer, on the other hand, is made of dense fabric and provides support and protection to the skin. The dermis also contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, sweat glands, hair follicles and other structures.

The skin itself, or corium, is the outer layer of the skin and consists of several layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, consisting of stratified keratinizing epithelium. The dermis is the inner layer of the skin described above. Subcutaneous tissue is loose connective tissue located under the dermis.

Thus, the dermis and the skin proper are two important layers of the skin, each with its own unique functions and structures. Knowledge of their structure and function can help us better understand how the skin functions and how it interacts with the environment.