Mammal, bovine hoof (LM, Medium)

Structure List Epidermis Dermis Epidermal lamellae Dermal lamellae

Hooves are local modifications of skin, as can be seen in their retention of epidermal, dermal and subcutis layers. The hoof is held to the bone by the dermis. To add strength to this attachment, the dermis and epidermis are folded into longitudinal ridges which are visible on the inside of the wall. In the ruminant, the interdigitations (laminae) between epidermis and dermis are greatly reduced compared to the horse.