THE SKIN. 79 



mixed with numerous bloodvessels, lymphatics, and nerves. The fibro-areolar 

 tissue forms the framework of the cutis; it is composed of firm interlacing 

 bundles of white fibrous tissue, intermixed with a much smaller proportion of 

 yellow elastic fibres, the amount of which varies iri different parts. The fibro- 

 areolar tissue is more abundant in the deeper layers of the cutis, where it is 



Fig. 41. 



A sectional view of the skin (mngnified). 



dense and firm, the meshes being large, and gradually becoming blended with 

 the subcutaneous areolar tissue; towards the surface, the fibres become finer 

 and more closely interlaced, the most superficial layer being covered with 

 numerous small conical vascular eminences, the papilla. From these differ- 

 ences in the structure of the cutis at different parts, it is usual to describe it as 

 consisting of two layers; the deeper layer or corium, and the superficial or 

 papillary layer. 



The corium consists of strong interlacing fibrous bands, composed chiefly of 

 the white variety of fibrous tissue; but containing, aJso, some fibres of the 

 yellow elastic tissue, which vary in amount in different parts. Towards the 

 attached surface, the fasciculi are large and coarse; and the areolre which are 

 left by their interlacement are large, and occupied by adipose tissue and the 

 sweat-glands. This element of the skin becomes gradually blended with the 

 subcutaneous areolar tissue. Towards the free surface, the fasciculi are much 

 finer, and they have a closer interlacing, the most superficial layers consisting 

 of a transparent, homogeneous matrix, with imbedded nuclei. 



The corium varies in thickness, from a quarter of a line to a line and a half, 

 in different parts of the body. Thus, it is thicker in the more exposed regions, 

 as the palm of the hand and sole of the foot; on the posterior aspect of the 

 body, than the front; and on the outer, than the inner side of the limbs. In 



