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What are Dermal Papillae?

M. Haskins
M. Haskins

The human skin is made up of several layers, and the outermost layer is called the epidermis, which sits directly on top of another layer called the dermis. Dermal papillae, sometimes called dermal pegs or DP, are small protrusions of the dermis layer into the epidermis layer. The DP serve several functions, including strengthening the adhesive bond between the dermis and epidermis, reducing the risk of separation between these two layers of skin, and providing blood flow to the epidermis, which has no blood supply of its own. Nerves coming through the dermis into the epidermis by way of the dermal papillae also serve the function of providing important sensory information, and these nerves are especially sensitive to pressure, pain, cold and heat. On the hands and feet, the pattern of the DP is visible in the form of fingerprints, also known as epidermal or papillary ridges.

Each individual protrusion of the dermis into the epidermis is called a dermal papilla. In its shape, a papilla looks similar to a finger or nipple, and the word is derived from the Latin word papula, meaning pimple. The part of the dermis where the dermal papillae are located is also called the papillary dermis or papillary layer. Approximately 20% of the dermis is made up of this papillary layer, which mainly consists of elastic connective tissue, blood vessels, touch receptors, and nerve endings.

The pattern of the dermal papillae is visible in fingerprints.
The pattern of the dermal papillae is visible in fingerprints.

Dermal papillae are an important part of skin anatomy. They contain the vascular loops and capillaries that transport oxygen and nutrients from the blood system to the epidermis, while simultaneously removing waste products from the epidermal layer. The epidermis mainly functions as a protective, exterior layer and has no nerve cells of its own, but the dermal papillae has specialized nerve endings that are extremely sensitive and provide vital sensory input from this outermost stratum of skin.

Dermal papillae cover the body, and they play an important role in skin anatomy.
Dermal papillae cover the body, and they play an important role in skin anatomy.

Dermal papillae are important in the formation of hair follicles, and are involved in the cycle of hair growth and shedding. A hair follicle is an indentation in the epidermis that sits right on top of a dermal papilla. In the case of a hair follicle, a dermal papilla is surrounded by what is called a hair matrix, which consists of epithelial cells, and pigment-producing cells that help form the hair itself as well as the root sheath the hair grows from. The access to the capillary blood vessel in a dermal papilla is vital for hair formation and growth.

Discussion Comments

cloudel

As a cosmetology student, I had to learn about the hair follicle and its connection to the dermal papilla. The root of the hair is enclosed in a follicle. From the follicle’s base, the dermal papilla receives food from the bloodstream and carries it forth to make new hair.

The dermal papilla has male hormone and androgen receptors. Androgens control hair growth, and they can cause the follicle to shrink and the hair to thin, if the person is genetically predisposed to hair loss.

So, dermal papillae pretty much are the hair’s control center. They tell it when to grow and when to thin out.

orangey03

I’m always reading up on new advancements in aging skin care, and I recently came across a study on aging dermal papillae. It seems that dermal papillae disappear with age. This reduces the area available for exchange between the dermis and the epidermis. This weakening of the junction leads to loss of elasticity. As elasticity declines, wrinkle formation increases.

In a diagram of the dermal papillae, I saw this process illustrated. The drawing showed the papillae shrinking with age. They started sticking together in groups rather than jutting out alone. It kind of looked like those time-progression computer models of a young person slumping over and becoming shorter as they get older.

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    • The pattern of the dermal papillae is visible in fingerprints.
      By: Marina Krasnovid
      The pattern of the dermal papillae is visible in fingerprints.
    • Dermal papillae cover the body, and they play an important role in skin anatomy.
      By: LoloStock
      Dermal papillae cover the body, and they play an important role in skin anatomy.