Final answer:
The structures known as dermal papillae are the finger-like upward projections of the dermis into the epidermis, which increase the bond between these skin layers and house sensory receptors like Meissner’s corpuscles for the sense of touch.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dermal papillae are structures within the skin that extend from the dermis up into the epidermis. They help to supply the epidermis with blood vessels and, because of their conical shape, increase the strength of the connection between the epidermis and dermis.
Moreover, dermal papillae contribute to our sense of touch due to their association with sensory receptors like Meissner’s corpuscles, which are situated within some of these projections and are responsive to light touch. While other receptors like Merkel cells, Pacinian corpuscles, and Ruffini endings have their specific roles in sensing pressure, texture, and stretch, respectively, it is the dermal papillae that are the answer to this question as they are the physical structures that project into the epidermis.