The skeletal derivatives of the first pharyngeal arch include which of the following?
- A Malleus and incus ✓
- B Stapes and styloid process
- C Greater horn of hyoid bone
- D Lesser cornu of the hyoid bone
Correct answer: A. Malleus and incus
Explanation
The first (mandibular) arch cartilage is Meckel cartilage. Its dorsal end ossifies to form the malleus and incus, while its perichondrium forms the sphenomandibular ligament and the rest contributes to the mandible via intramembranous ossification. The stapes and styloid process are second arch (Reichert) derivatives, while both parts of the hyoid named here come from the third arch.
Reference: Langman's Medical Embryology, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.