Which of the following adult structures is derived from the first pharyngeal arch?

• A Stapes and styloid process
• B Thyroid cartilage
• C Greater horn of hyoid bone
• D Malleus and incus ✓

Explanation

The first (mandibular) arch cartilage is Meckel cartilage, whose dorsal end ossifies to form the malleus and incus; its ventral part forms the mandible via intramembranous ossification. The stapes and styloid process come from the second arch, the greater horn of the hyoid from the third arch, and the thyroid cartilage from the fourth arch. The muscles of mastication and tensor tympani are also first arch derivatives supplied by the mandibular nerve.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.