218 SKIN, HAIR, AND NAILS, BY ALFRED BIESIADECKI. 



connective tissue, which also consists of connective tissue, but is 

 distinguishable from the corium by its looser texture, greater 

 succulency, and by usually containing much fat. 



To the outer surface of the corium is applied the deepest 

 layer of the epidermis, which here appears as a transparent, 

 grey and soft, though superficially more dense, tissue. In 

 consequence of putrefaction, maceration, or disease, the epi- 

 dermis may become detached from the corium. The latter is 

 attached to the more deeply seated structures, as the fascise 

 and periosteum, by means of the subcutaneous connective 

 tissue. This attachment is sometimes looser, sometimes closer, 

 according to the texture of this tissue, and the amount of fat 

 it contains. Over those portions of the body that exhibit 

 much mobility the skin is loose, and the subcutaneous tissue 

 is then free from fat, as in the eyelids and penis ; or it is thrown 

 into folds, as in the case of the extension surfaces of the joints. 



The corium is not a plane surface in a physiological sense, 

 but exhibits elevations of various sizes> with corresponding 

 depressions ; moreover folds and duplicatures occur, which, 

 however, can be obliterated by traction of the surface, or by 

 increased tension of the deeper portions; as, for example, 

 as a consequence of exudation in the subcutaneous connective 

 tissue, or from great increase in the deposit of fat. Smaller 

 elevations are found upon the surface, in the form of lines, 

 wrinkles, and papillae. The former are especially well marked 

 in the palm of the hand and in the sole of the foot, as well as 

 on the palmar and plantar surfaces of the fingers and toes, 

 where they form arcuate lines. 



The smallest elevations are foumed by the little warts or 

 papillae of the skin, which confer a felt-like appearance upon 

 its free surface. The surface of the corium also exhibits 

 numerous grooves and depressions, that either run between 

 the folds and rib-like elevations, or pursue an independent 

 course, as occurs opposite the surfaces of flexion of the joints 

 of the extremities. These are best marked in those of the 

 palmar surfaces of the hands and plantar of the foot. Lastly, 

 we must mention the funnel-shaped depressions, called also the 

 pores, of the skin, that are formed by the excretory ducts of 

 the sweat and sebaceous ducts, and by the hair follicles. 



