dermis
That part of a hide or skin below the
epidermal-dermal junction, consisting of a
condensation of fibrous connective tissue which
supports blood and lymph vessels, sebaceous and
sudoriferous glands, hair follicles and their
associated muscles, etc. In the grain layer of the
dermis these fibers become very thin and tightly
woven, and arc so interlaced that there are no
loose ends on the surface beneath the epidermis.
Consequently, when the epidermis is carefully
removed, a smooth layer is revealed, sometimes
known as the hyaline layer, which gives the
characteristic grain surface of leather. Toward
the center of the dermis (or corium) the fibers
are coarser and stronger, and the predominant
angle at which they are woven can indicate the
properties the resultant leather will display. If
the fibers are more upright and tightly woven, a
firm, hard leather with little stretch can be
expected, while if they are more horizontal and
loosely woven, a soft, stretchier leather can be
anticipated. The interior of the dermis is
generally the strongest part of the skin. (291 , 306 , 363 )
![[CoOL]](/icons/sm_cool.gif){kind=icon}