What are the differences between Epidermis and Dermis?

Basis of differentiation

Epidermis

Dermis

Definition

Epidermis is the outer layer of cells, which cover the body of an organism

Dermis is a thick layer of living cells below the epidermis, containing blood vessels, sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings

Depth and thickness

Is the superficial, thin cell layer

Is the thickest layer of skin, and deeper than the epidermis

Presence of cells

Contain both living and dead cells

All cells are living cells

Presence of blood vessels

Epidermis does not contain blood vessels

Dermis has an extensive network of blood vessels

Origin

Originates from the ectoderm

Originates from the mesoderm

Components

Consists of keratin in humans and suberin in plants

Consists of hair follicles, nails, sweat glands, and apocrine glands

Structure

Is made up of stratified layers of flattened epithelial cells

Is made up of dense irregular connective tissue

Presence of ECM

Contains tightly packed cells without an ECM

Contains an ECM

Presence of nerves

No nerve receptors are present in the epidermis

Has sensory nerve endings present

Mechanism of obtaining nutrients

Obtains essential nutrients and oxygen by diffusion from the dermis

Obtains oxygen and nutrients from the blood capillaries 

Cell types 

Contains melanocytes, langerhans cells, merkel's cells, and keratinocytes

Contains fibroblasts, macrophages, and adipocytes