The dermis owes its strength to which fibers?

• A. Keratinous and myofibrous fibers
• B. Elastic fibers only
• C. Collagenous and elastic fibers
• D. Reticular fibers only

Answer: (C)

The strength of the dermis comes from its collagenous and elastic fibers. Collagen fibers provide the main tensile strength, forming a sturdy network that resists pulling and tearing in multiple directions. Elastic fibers weave between them to allow the skin to stretch and then snap back to its original shape, giving resilience. Reticular fibers contribute to the supportive framework but are not the primary source of strength. Keratin is found in the epidermis, not the dermis, so it doesn’t account for dermal strength. Thus, collagenous and elastic fibers together best explain the dermis’s durability and elasticity.