A newborn presents with a branchial (lateral cervical) cyst at the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid. This is most commonly derived from which pharyngeal pouch/groove?
- A First pharyngeal pouch (endodermal)
- B Third pharyngeal pouch
- C Second pharyngeal cleft (branchial cleft cyst from incomplete obliteration of the cervical sinus) ✓
- D Thyroglossal duct remnant
Correct answer: C. Second pharyngeal cleft (branchial cleft cyst from incomplete obliteration of the cervical sinus)
Explanation
Branchial cleft (lateral cervical) cysts most commonly arise from persistence of the second branchial cleft or the cervical sinus of His (formed by overgrowth of the second arch over the third and fourth arches). They appear as fluctuant swellings along the anterior border of SCM in the neck. The first branchial cleft remnant appears near the ear (parotid region). Thyroglossal duct cysts are midline, moving with tongue protrusion. Third pouch derivatives include inferior parathyroids and thymus.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.