Neural crest cells that migrate from the dorsal neural tube to the pharyngeal arches contribute to which structures?
- A Cardiac muscle and endocardium of the heart
- B Smooth muscle of the gut and enteric nervous system only
- C Skeletal elements of the face, meninges, and connective tissue of pharyngeal arch derivatives ✓
- D Posterior pituitary and hypothalamus
Correct answer: C. Skeletal elements of the face, meninges, and connective tissue of pharyngeal arch derivatives
Explanation
Cranial neural crest cells (ectomesenchyme) migrate into all five pharyngeal arches and contribute uniquely to the skeletal (cartilaginous and bony) elements, connective tissue, dermis, teeth, and meninges of the head and neck. They form Meckel's cartilage (arch 1), Reichert's cartilage (arch 2), and the cartilaginous elements of arches 3–6. Neural crest cells also form the peripheral nervous system neurons and Schwann cells throughout the body, as well as chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and melanocytes.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.