Blood Vessels/Nerves in The Dermis

Blood vessels in the dermis supply nutrients to the deep living layers of the epidermis, as well as to dermis cells. These vessels also play an important role in the regulation of body temperature. There are numerous nerve fibers scattered throughout the dermis. Some of them (motor fibers) carry impulses to dermal muscles and glands, causing these structures to react. Others (sensory fibers) carry impulses away from specialized sensory receptors located within the dermis. One set of dermal receptors (Pacinian corpuscles) is stimulated by heavy pressure, while another set (Meissner's corpuscles) is sensitive to light touch. Still other receptors are stimulated by temperature changes or by factors that can damage tissues.