Skin is the largest organ in most mammals, especially in human beings. It is the first part of us that encounters a foreign particle. Our skin has different layers, and each layer has its own properties and functions.
Key Takeaways
- Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, consisting of dead skin cells, while the dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis, composed of connective tissue and collagen fibers.
- Epidermis serves as a protective barrier, preventing the entry of harmful microorganisms and regulating water loss, while the dermis is responsible for providing structural support and elasticity to the skin.
- Epidermis lacks blood vessels and nerves, while the dermis is rich in blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles, making it sensitive to touch and temperature changes.
Epidermis vs Dermis
The difference between Epidermis and Dermis is the position of the layer. The epidermis is the outermost exposed part of the skin, whereas the dermis lies beneath the epidermis—the difference is in their composition, texture, and nature. The epidermis is the most exposed layer of the skin, protecting the inner layers of the skin, cells, and tissues.
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The epidermis is the outermost layer of the human skin. It plays the vital role of protecting the delicate inner layers from external foreign particles. The keratinocytes are the cells that form the epidermis.
The dermis is the layer of the skin that is present just under the epidermis. Fat, fibres, collagen, and blood vessels compose this layer of the skin. It has more flexibility and elasticity.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Epidermis | Dermis |
|---|---|---|
| Presence | The epidermis is the outermost layer among the three layers of the skin in an organism. | The dermis is the layer of the skin just below the epidermis. |
| Blood Vessels | Blood vessels are not present in the epidermis. | Blood vessels, a tiny network of blood capillaries, are present in the dermis. |
| Nerves | Nerves are not present in the epidermis. | Nerves are present in the dermis. |
| Found in | Both plants and animals have epidermis. | Only animals have dermis. |
| Absorption of Nutrients | Essential nutrients are absorbed through diffusion from the dermis. | Oxygen and essential nutrients are absorbed through the blood capillaries. |
What is Epidermis?
The epidermis is a unicellular layer, the outermost covering of plants and animals. It acts as a barrier between the environment and the organism. The epidermis is responsible for the prevention and reduction of water loss.
The epidermis is the home of melanocytes, which account for skin tone. This layer has keratin as its base. It is made up of keratinocytes and round-shaped squamous cells, which are called basal cells.
This is a multilayered structure. It is called the basement membrane, as it is responsible for forming a dermo-epidermal junction.
This has led to four more layers within the epidermis: the Stratum basale, Stratum spinosum, Stratum granulosum and Stratum corneum.
What is Dermis?
The dermis, also known as the sodium, is the layer between the epidermis and the tissues called the subcutaneous tissues. The dermis is further classified into two types.
It also consists of elastic fibres, accounting for the skin’s elasticity and firmness. This layer consists of blood vessels responsible for nourishing and removing the gunk from the layers.
This gives strength, extensibility, and elasticity. It is a thicker layer of the skin. The dermis is the depositary of the bone, also known as the earliest evolutionary layer of the skin.
It is also the home of hair follicles. The dermis is further divided into two layers known as the papillary dermis and the bottom is known as the reticular dermis.
Main Differences Between Epidermis and Dermis
- The epidermis is found in both animals and plants. The dermis is found only in the skin of animals.
- The epidermis comprises keratinocytes, cells containing high amounts o keratin. The dermis consists of sweat glands and hair follicles.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1525-1594.2000.06334.x
- https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1113/jphysiol.2001.013067
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
