Pharyngeal Arches

Pharyngeal arches are an important must-read topic for NEET PG exam preparation as they are a fundamental aspect of human anatomy and developmental biology. Pharyngeal arches have significant implications in the formation of head and neck structures. Therefore, it is essential to have a good understanding of the topic.

Read this blog further to get a quick overview of this important anatomy topic.

Pharyngeal Arches

Pharyngeal arches are embryonic structures that develop in the neck region of vertebrate embryos and give rise to various structures in the head and neck such as the jaw, larynx, inner ear and part of the face. 

• 6 u shaped arches 
• Around pharynx 
• Develops from neural crest cells 
• 5^th arch become rudimentary in humans 
• 1 arch has
  • Upper maxillary process 
  • Lower mandibular process 

Skeletal Elements

Here is a summary of the skeletal elements derived from each pharyngeal arch:

Here is a summary of the skeletal elements derived from each pharyngeal arch:

• NCCs → Mandible, Hyoid 
• Paraxial mesoderm → PAM’s (Pharyngeal arch muscles) E.g. muscles of mastication
  4^th Arch → Thyroid cartilage
  Epiglottis cartilage 
• 6^th ARCH
  • Cricoid 
  • Arytenoid 
  • Corniculate 
  • Cuneiform 

Also Read: Development of the Nervous System - NEET PG Anatomy

Pharyngeal Arch Nerves 

The pharyngeal arches also give rise to various cranial nerves, which are responsible for controlling the muscles and sensation in the head and neck. Here is a summary of the cranial nerves derived from each pharyngeal arch:

• 1^st ARCH → mandibular division of trigeminal nerve 
• 2^nd ARCH → Facial nerve 
• 3^rd ARCH       CN 9 
• 4^th ARCH CN 10
• 6^th ARCH CN 11 (cranial part)

Pre Trematic Nerves 

• 1^st ARCH → V₂ 

→ Chorda tympani nerve of facial nerve (1^st Pre-trematic N.)

• 2^nd ARCH → Tympanic branch of glossopharyngeal nerve 

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