In the skin, what is the function of the papillary layer?
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Solution
Function of papillary layer:
The skin is made up of multiple layers of cells and tissue that are bound to the underlying structure by connective tissue.
The skin is composed of two main layers. The epidermis is composed of densely packed epithelial cells, and the dermis is composed of dense, irregular connective tissue that houses blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and other structures
Below the dermis is the hypodermis, which is mainly composed of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue.
The papillary layer is composed of loose connective tissue. This means that this layer of collagen and elastin fibers forms loose connective tissue.
This superficial layer of the dermis protrudes into the basal layer of the epidermis, forming a finger-like papillary line.
The layer also contains lymphatic capillaries, nerve fibers, and contact receptors called Meissner corpuscles
Below thepapilla is a much thicker reticular layer of dense, irregular connective tissue.