- an underlayer of epithelial cells in arthropods and certain other invertebrates that secretes substances for the overlying cuticle or exoskeleton.
- a tissue or layer of cells beneath the epidermis.
- a layer of thick-walled supportive or water-storing cells beneath the epidermis in some plants
- the epidermis of arthropods, annelids, etc, which secretes and is covered by a cuticle
