Term of the Day

Papillary Dermis: Thin, superficial layer of the dermis composed of loose connective tissue and thrown into nipple-like projections called dermal papillae, which interdigitate with the overlying epidermis. The papillae contain capillaries, free nerve endings (which act as pain receptors) and Meissner's corpuscles (which act as touch receptors). On the palms and soles, the papillae lie on top of larger mounds called dermal ridges which, in turn, produce corresponding epidermal ridges. The latter give us our fingerprints.

Term of the Day

Alopecia: absence of hair from where it usually grows; baldness. May be hereditary (e.g. male pattern baldness) or secondary to disease, injury, or chemical exposure (e.g. chemotherapy agents).