The inferior parathyroid glands and the thymus are derived from which pharyngeal pouch?

• A First pharyngeal pouch
• B Third pharyngeal pouch ✓
• C Second pharyngeal pouch
• D Fourth pharyngeal pouch

Explanation

The third pharyngeal pouch gives rise to the inferior parathyroid glands from its dorsal wing and the thymus from its ventral wing. The fourth pouch forms the superior parathyroids and the ultimobranchial body. The first pouch forms the tympanic cavity and auditory tube. The second pouch contributes to the palatine tonsillar fossa.

Reference: Langman's Medical Embryology, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.