DERMIS

nThe dermis, which contains the hair follicles (found only in thin skin) and sebaceous and sweat glands, consists of 2 layers of vascular connective tissue that blend at their common border.
nA. Papillary Layer: This layer of loose connective tissue, rich in elastic fibers, lies directly beneath the epidermal basement membrane. Its projections--dermal papillae-interdigitate with the epidermal ridges, increasing the area of contact. Special collagen fibers, anchoring fibrils, extend from this layer into the epidermal basal lamina to reinforce the dermal-epidermal junction. The papillary layer contains immunoprotective cells, a rich capillary net work, and abundant free nerve endings, some of which penetrate the epidermis. The tips of many dermal papillae contain encapsulated touch receptors called Meissner's corpuscles.
nB. Reticular Layer: Beneath the papillary layer is a thicker layer of dense irregular connective tissue. Also richly vascularized, this layer contains many arteriovenous anastomoses, or shunts, that control the amount of blood reaching the papillary capillaries and thus aid in regulating heat loss and blood pressure. The reticular layer also contains a rich supply of nerves in both free and encapsulated endings leg, Pacinian corpuscles).