How is the dermis organized?

The dermis is organized into two distinct areas: the papillary dermis and the reticular dermis. The superficial papillary dermis is a relatively thin zone beneath the epidermis. On light microscopy, it is composed of thin, delicate collagen fibers and is highly vascularized. The hair follicles are enveloped by a perifollicular dermis that is contiguous with, and morphologically resembles, the papillary dermis. Collectively, the papillary dermis and perifollicular dermis are called the adventitial dermis, although this term is rarely used in dermatology texts.

The deeper zone is the reticular dermis, which comprises the bulk of the dermis. It is less vascular than the papillary dermis and demonstrates thick, well-organized collagen bundles.