 Lies deep (beneath the epidermis)
 Provides strength and elasticity to the skin
 Creates framework to support the accessory structures
 Made of 2 layers

 Made of areolar tissue
 Contains capillaries and sensory neurons that serve the epidermis above
 The top of this layer has dermal papillae that connect to the dermal ridges of the stratum germinativum

 Made of a mesh of dense irregular connective tissue w/ lots of collagen and elastin protein fibers
 Contains hair follicles, sweat glands, oil glands, blood vessels and nerves
 The collagen and elastic fibers allow the skin to stretch and change shape

 Aging, hormones, and UV radiation can all damage and reduce the amount of elasticity of the skin causing wrinkles and sagging

 Fibers of the reticular layer extend into the subcutaneous layer so there isn’t a distinct line between the two
 Made of areolar and adipose tissue
 Stabilizes skin while allowing movement
 Areas of subcutaneous fat change during a person’s life
 Location of injections

 Human body has appox. 5 million hairs and 98% of them are on the general body not on the head
 Hair bulb- bottom of hair surrounded by epithelial cells
 Hair shaft- the part of hair we see
 Hair color- determined by the amount of pigment

 Protect scalp from UV radiation, insulate the skull
 Prevent entry of foreign particles
 Sensitivity (nerves at base of each hair)
 Insulation ( erector pili muscles in the skin cause hair to stand on end)

 Sebaceous Glands- secrete sebum, which prevents bacterial growth, lubricates and protects hair and skin, ex. of a Holocrine gland
 Blocked sebaceous glands cause acne
 Sweat glands- 2-5 million sweat glands, cools body temperature
 Merocrine- palms, soles, secrete onto surface of skin
 Apocrine- in armpits, groin, secrete their products into a hair follicle

 Step 1- bleeding triggers inflammation
 Step 2- Scab forms, phagocytic cells remove debris, cells from the stratum germanativum migrate to the area
 Step 3- Fibroblasts create a meshwork to connect tissue
 Step 4- Fibroblast continue creating scar tissue