The Dermis

The second layer of the skin, the dermis, consists of various connective tissues. As connective tissue, it contains fibroblasts and macrophages within a gelatinous matrix containing collagen, elastic, and reticular fibres. The structure provides strength, extensibility (the ability to be stretched), and elasticity ( the ability to return to its original form). It is in the dermis where we find capillaries and nerve endings.

It is divided into two layers, the superficial area adjacent to the epidermis called papillary region and a deep thicker area known as the reticular dermis. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis through a basement membrane. Structural component of the dermis are

• Collagen
• Elastic fibres and
• Extracellular matrix (previously called ground substance)  

Components of dermis:

• Fibroblasts 
• Macrophages
• Adipocytes   

Layers of Dermis:

• Stratum papillary
• Stratum reticular

Stratum papillary

The papillary region is composed of loose areolar connective tissue. This is named for its fingerlike projections called papillae, that extend towards the epidermis and contains either terminal network of blood capillaries or tactile Meissner's corpusles.

Stratum reticulare

The reticular region lies under the papillary region and is usually much thicker. It composed of dense irregular connective tissue, and receives its name from the dense concentration of collagenous , elastic, and reticular fibres that weave throughout it. These protein fibres give the dermis its properties of strength, extensibility, and elasticity. Also located within the reticular region are the roots of hair, sebaceous gland, sweat glands, receptor nails and blood vessels.