Poultry Judging Practice Test

The inner layer of the skin of fowl is called the dermis. This layer is situated between the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin, and the hypodermis, which is the underlying layer that connects the skin to the body.

The dermis is composed of connective tissue, blood vessels, nerve endings, and glands. This structure provides support and flexibility to the skin while also housing various structures that contribute to the overall function of the skin, such as hair follicles and sensory receptors. Its robust nature allows it to perform essential functions, including thermoregulation and sensation, making it a critical part of the skin's overall anatomy and physiology.

In contrast, the epidermis is primarily responsible for forming a protective barrier against environmental elements, while the hypodermis serves to anchor the skin to underlying tissues and provides insulation. The layer known as mesoderm refers to one of the three primary germ layers in early embryonic development and is not directly related to the anatomical structure of the skin in adult fowl. Thus, the correct identification of the dermis as the inner layer is crucial for understanding the functional anatomy of poultry skin.