What is the dermal papilla?

The dermal papilla are the raised projections on the surface of the skin. They are most prominent on the hands and feet. These ridges are often referred to as fingerprints.

The dermal papilla contain vascular loops and specialized nerve endings that are arranged in ridge-like lines. Those located on other areas of the skin contain blood vessels that nourish hair follicles. They also carry oxygen to the lower layers of the skin's epidermal cells. The dermal papilla make up part of the uppermost layer of the dermis. The main function of the dermis is to support the skin's outer layer, known as the epidermis, by exchanging oxygen, nutrients and waste through the layers of skin.