It intertwines with the rete ridges of the epidermis and is composed of fine and loosely arranged collagen fibers.

At the surface of the skin in hands and feet, they appear as epidermal, papillary or friction ridges (colloquially known as fingerprints).

Blood vessels in the dermal papillae nourish all hair follicles and bring nutrients and oxygen to the lower layers of epidermal cells.

[5] They remain substantially unaltered (except in size) throughout life, and therefore determine the patterns of fingerprints, making them useful in certain functions of personal identification.

Because the main function of the dermis is to support the epidermis, this greatly increases the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between these two layers.

Additionally, the increase in the surface area prevents the dermal and epidermal layers from separating by strengthening the junction between them.

It has raised ridges, a thicker and more complex epidermis, increased sensory abilities, and the absence of hair and sebaceous glands.