Definition:
The dermis is the second of the three major layers of skin. The thickness of the dermis is different depending on the location of the skin. It's 0.3 mm on the eyelid and 3.0 mm on the back, for example.
The dermis is composed of these three types of tissue that are present throughout -- not in layers:
- Collagen
- Elastic tissue
- Reticular fibers
The two layers of the dermis are the papillary and reticular layers. The upper, papillary layer contains a thin arrangement of collagen fibers. The lower, reticular layer is thicker and made of thick collagen fibers that are arranged parallel to the surface of the skin.
Pronunciation: DIR-miss • (noun)
