Definition of dermis

The word "dermis" comes from the Greek word "derma," meaning "skin." In anatomy, the dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. The dermis is made up of connective tissue and contains blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sensory receptors. The term "dermis" was first used in the 17th century by the French anatomist Julius Bertrand in his book "Institutiones anatomicae". Bertrand's work was a comprehensive description of the human body, and it included the development of the skin layers. The word "dermis" itself has been in use since the 18th century and has become a widely accepted term in medical and anatomical terminology. So, the next time you learn about the layers of your skin, remember that the "dermis" gets its name from ancient Greek!