the ridges they form greatly increase the surface area between the dermis and epidermis. Because the main function of the dermis is to support the epidermis, this greatly increases the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between these two layers. Additionally, the increase in surface area prevents the dermal and epidermal layers from separating by strengthening the junction between them. With age, the papillae tend to flatten and sometimes increase in number. The skin of the hands and fingers and the feet and toes is known by forensic scientists as friction ridge skin. It is known by anatomists as thick skin, volar skin or hairless skin. It has raised ridges, a thicker and more complex epidermis, increased sensory abilities, and the absence of hair and sebaceous glands. The ridges increase friction for improved grasping. Dermal papillae also play a pivotal role in hair formation, growth and cycling. In mucous membranes, the equivalent structures to dermal papillae are generally termed "connective tissue papillae", which interdigitate with the rete pegs of the superficial epithelium. Dermal papillae are less pronounced in thin skin areas. Reticular dermis The reticular dermis is the lower layer of the dermis, found under the papillary dermis, composed of dense irregular connective tissue featuring densely-packed collagen fibers. It is the primary location of dermal elastic fibers. The reticular region is usually much thicker than the overlying papillary dermis. It receives its name from the dense concentration of collagenous, elastic, and reticular fibers that weave throughout it. These protein fibers give the dermis its properties of strength, extensibility, and elasticity. Within the reticular region are the roots of the hair, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, receptors, nails, and blood vessels. The orientation of collagen fibers within the reticular dermis creates lines of tension called Langer's lines, which are of some relevance in surgery and wound healing. See also List of cutaneous conditions References Skin anatomy Routes of administration