Question

Compare and Contrast The Epidermis and Dermis. in 350 words.

Answer 1

Epidermis and dermis are both layers of the skin.The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, and the dermis the middle layer. The epidermis is thinner and dermis the much thicker inner layer.

The epidermis is in direct contact with the surrounding air, whereas the dermis has no outside the body contact.
Epidermis comprises epithelial cells called keratinocytes. The epidermis contains keratinized and stratified squamous epithelial cells. The outermost cell layer of the epidermis is dead and hydrophobic.

The dermis is mainly composed of connective tissue. In addition, the dermis contains nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The epidermis does not contain any connective tissue, but it contains sensory cells called Merkel cells.

The entire epidermis is composed of 4 layers of epithelial cells called stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum. The epidermis cells, except for stratum basale, contain keratin, a fibrous protein found in hair and nails.

Dermis the made up of 2 layer of connective tissue that makes up an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers. The papillary layer comprises of loosely spaced, areolar connective tissue. The reticular layer is made up of dense, irregular connective tissue.

The epidermis is found in both plants and animals, whereas dermis is found only in animals.

Epidermis obtains nutrients and oxygen by diffusion from the dermis. The dermis, on the other hand, has direct access to nutrients and oxygen via blood capillaries.