Poultry Judging Practice Test

The breast tenderloin is identified as what muscle?

1. Pectoralis major

2. Pectoralis minor

3. Triceps brachii

4. Latissimus dorsi

The correct answer is: Pectoralis minor

The breast tenderloin is identified as the pectoralis minor muscle. The pectoralis minor is a small muscle located beneath the pectoralis major and is responsible for assisting in the movement and stabilization of the shoulder joint. In poultry, the breast tenderloin refers specifically to the small, tender strip of meat found along the inner side of the breast. This muscle is typically tender and has a fine texture, making it a desirable cut for many culinary uses. Understanding the anatomy of poultry is crucial for evaluating meat quality and for processing, as it helps in identifying cuts of meat that may have different characteristics and uses in cooking. Other muscles listed, such as the pectoralis major, triceps brachii, and latissimus dorsi, have different functions and locations within the poultry anatomy, contributing to their exclusion from the answer.