Epidermis vs. Dermis
Main DifferenceThe term epidermis and dermis refers to the external layer of the body which protects the skin from infection and pollution. If we look from a general perspective, then there remains a thin line of difference between both dermis and epidermis. The main difference which can be drawn is that epidermis refers to the outermost part of the body which protects the body from trauma, dehydration, and infections whereas dermis refer to the tissue just below the epidermis.

Difference Between Epidermis and Dermis
Epidermis vs. Dermis
The term dermis and epidermis are connected with the human and animal body.
Epidermis vs. Dermis
Dermis and epidermis both act as the protective outer layer of the body and are very important components of our body.
Epidermis vs. Dermis
The epidermis does not contain blood vessel whereas dermis contains capillaries beneath the epidermis.
Epidermis vs. Dermis
The epidermis does not consist of nerves whereas the dermis contains nerve impulses which pass through the brain.
Epidermis vs. Dermis
The epidermis is nourished by diffusion from the dermis.
Epidermis vs. Dermis
The epidermis is made of keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkels cells.
Epidermis vs. Dermis
The dermis is basically composed of connective tissues and contains skin appendages.
Epidermisnoun
The outer, protective layer of the skin of vertebrates, covering the dermis
Dermisnoun
(anatomy) The tissue of the skin underlying the epidermis.
Epidermisnoun
The similar outer layer of cells in invertebrates and plants
Dermisnoun
the deep vascular inner layer of the skin
Epidermisnoun
the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface of vertebrates
Comparison Chart
Epidermis | Dermis |
Origin | |
Ectoderm | Mesoderm |
Vascularity | |
Avascular | Vascular |
Characteristics | |
Keratinized stratified epithelium | Contains extracellular matrix and skin appendages. Superficial = Papillary, Highly vascular Lax; Deep = Reticular, Less vascular Dense. |
Main Cells | |
Melanocytes Keratinocytes | Fibroblasts Adipocytes Macrophages |
Nerves | |
Does not contain nerves. | Contains nerves that conduct nerve impulses via the central nervous system to the brain |
What is Dermis?
In a living cell, the thick inner layer of the tissue is referred to as dermis. It lies beneath the epidermis which embodies blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The dermis furnishes extensibility, firmness, and strength to the skin thereby protecting it from infection. It aids the epidermis to acquire oxygen and nutrients.
What is Epidermis?
In a living organism, the outermost layer covering the body is referred to as epidermis. The epidermis is visible to the eye whereas the dermis is invisible as it lies in the inner part. The principal function of the epidermis is that it protects the body’s internal structures from trauma, dehydration, and infections. It also performs the functions of renewal of cells in the skin.