Skin and Fascia 2: Dermis

Question 1

What is the dermis layer?

Answer 1

Dense layer of irregular connective tissue (containing collagen and elastic fibers)

Dermis layer can vary in thickness depending on the location

Question 2

What are the components of the deep layer of dermis?

Answer 2

The deep layer of the dermis contains hair follicles with associated smooth arrector pili muscles and sebaceous & sweat glands
Rich in nerves, blood vessels

Question 3

What are the layers of the dermis?

Answer 3

Superificial to Deep:
1. Papillary layer: Loose connective tissue within dermal papilla. This layer is best developed in thick skin
2. Reticular layer: Dense connective tissue formed from a network of thick collagen bundles and elastic fibers

Question 4

What are cleavage lines/Langer lines/Tension lines?

Answer 4

Bundles of collagen and elastic fibers of the dermis which run longitudinally in the limbs and transversely in the trunk
Lie within the reticular layer of dermis

Question 5

What is the significance of the cleavage lines?

Answer 5

Incisions made parallel to these lines tend to gape less and heal more readily