Poultry Judging Practice Test

What is the name of the inner layer of poultry skin?

1. Hypodermis

2. Dermis

3. Epithelium

4. Stratum corneum

The correct answer is: Dermis

The inner layer of poultry skin is referred to as the dermis. This layer is crucial because it provides structural support to the skin and contains various essential components such as blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands, which play significant roles in thermoregulation, sensation, and lubrication of the skin. Understanding the structure of poultry skin, especially the dermis, helps in assessing the overall health and quality of the bird's skin during inspection or judging. The hypodermis, while it plays a role in connecting the skin to underlying tissues, is located beneath the dermis and does not constitute the inner layer of the skin itself. The epithelium is the outer layer, consisting of cells that are primarily involved in forming a protective barrier. The stratum corneum is a specific layer of the epithelium that is made up of dead skin cells, providing an additional protective layer but does not represent the inner layer of the skin where the dermis is located.