Abstract
The dermal connective tissue plays a crucial role in the supply of nutrients to the epidermis and skin appendages, as well as in the protective function of the skin, contributing to mechanical resistance and elasticity. It is anchored to the epidermis through the basement membrane, and continues deep into the subcutis. With a thickness of 1–5 mm, depending on the body region, it accounts for 15–20% of body weight. Like any interstitial connective tissue, it consists of cells and an extracellular matrix, with fibers. The most abundant cells, the fibroblasts, produce the molecular components of the extracellular matrix, including the fibers. The dermis also contains mast cells, histiocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, capillaries, arterioles, venules, lymph vessels, and nerves. Apart from its structural function, the dermal connective tissue is a reservoir for proteases, growth factors, and cytokines. It plays a major role in wound healing, and in the pathophysiology of several genetic and acquired disorders.
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Has, C. (2022). Connective Tissue Diseases: Introduction. In: Plewig, G., French, L., Ruzicka, T., Kaufmann, R., Hertl, M. (eds) Braun-Falco´s Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-63709-8_50
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-63709-8_50
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