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Dermal-Epidermal Junction

Meaning

The Dermal-Epidermal Junction, or DEJ, is the specialized, complex basement membrane zone that serves as the crucial interface between the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and the underlying dermis, the connective tissue layer. This junction provides mechanical adhesion, facilitates nutrient and waste exchange, and regulates cellular communication between the two layers. The integrity and structure of the DEJ are key determinants of skin strength, elasticity, and resilience, which are significantly influenced by hormonal aging and endocrine status.