What is the relationship of the epithelium of the epidermis to the connective tissues layers of the dermis? Describe the boundary between the epidermis and dermis and the various types of connective tissues that compose the dermis. Solution Epidermis is a type of epithelium tissue containing typically thin sheets of cells. Epidermis forms the outermost layer of the skin containing 4 to 5 layers of epithelial cells.The outermost part of the epidermis is comprises of flattened cells in stratified layers overlying on a basal layer (stratum basale) made up of columnar cells arranged perpendicularly. Beneath the epidermis lies the middle layer called dermis layer. It is composed of dense irregular connective tissue and areolar connective tissue such as a collagen with elastin arranged in bundled and woven pattern. This layer comprise of the papillary and reticular layers. Dermis contains connective tissues, vessels, glands, follicles, hair roots and sensory nerve endings. This superficial paillary layer of the dermis, made up of areolar connective tissue like collagen and elastin fibers in a loose mesh, projects itself into the stratum basale of the epidermis to form finger-like dermal papillae. The dermis layer also consists of blood and lymph vessels and nerves, which end in epidermal layer and also hair follicles and sweat glands which project out through epidermis. Thus dermis is the layer of the skin between the epidermic and the subcutaneous tissues, primarily composed of dense irregulat connective tissue. These connective tissue provides cushions to the body from stress.Its area adjoining the epidermis is called as papillary region and the deeper area is known as reticular dermis. Dermis is tightly connected to epidermis through a basement membrane. Papillary layercomprising of mainly collagen, intewines with the rete ridges of the epidermis. Reticular layer consists of irregular connective tissue fibers, densely packed collagen, elantin and reticular fibers. Structurally, dermis comprises of collagen, elastic fibers and fibrillar matrix. It also provides the sence of touch, heat etc..