Final answer:
The assertion is true; the dermis is comprised mostly of connective tissue, like collagen and elastin, which provides structural strength, elasticity, and protection for internal bodily tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the dermis is composed of connective tissue and provides protection from the external environment is true. The dermis is the inner layer of the two main layers that make up the skin, situated just beneath the epidermis and above the hypodermis. The main components of the dermis are collagen and elastin fibers that are produced by fibroblasts and serve to give the skin its strength and elasticity. This structure allows the dermis to act as a protective buffer, which cushions the body's internal structures from stress and strain.
Moreover, the dermis is an active layer of the integumentary system containing blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and accessory structures such as hair follicles and sweat glands. These components are involved in numerous functions, including sensory perception, temperature regulation, and excretion. Therefore, the dermis plays a vital role in protecting against the external environment, not just mechanically but also through these physiological processes.