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Pharyngeal Arch Derivatives — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateBiomedical SciencesPharyngeal Arch DerivativesNDEB AFK

Which of the following structures is derived from the first pharyngeal (branchial) arch?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: DMeckel cartilage

The first pharyngeal arch (mandibular arch) gives rise to Meckel cartilage, which in turn guides the development of the mandible (though the mandible forms by intramembranous ossification lateral to the cartilage). First arch derivatives also include the muscles of mastication, mylohyoid, anterior belly of digastric, tensor tympani, tensor veli palatini, malleus, and incus. The stapes is from the second arch. The stylohyoid ligament and lesser horn of hyoid are second arch.

Reference: Moore – Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 9th ed., 2019; Nanci – Ten Cate's Oral Histology, 9th ed., 2017