PPT Slide
The papillary dermis (PD) contains vascular networks that have two important functions. The first being to
support the avascular epidermis with vital nutrients and secondly to provide a network for thermoregulation.
The vasculature is organized so that by increasing or decreasing blood flow, heat can either be conserved or
dissipated. The vasculature interdigitates in areas called dermal papillae (DP). The papillary dermis also contains
the free sensory nerve endings and structures called Meissner’s corpuscles in highly sensitive areas.