Embryology: pharyngeal arches: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Embryology: pharyngeal arches

Sample item

Which muscle is derived from the first pharyngeal arch?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Masseter

The first arch forms muscles of mastication, including masseter, and is innervated by the mandibular division of trigeminal nerve. Stapedius is second arch, stylopharyngeus third, and levator veli palatini fourth.

Option by option

  • A. Levator veli palatini

    Levator veli palatini is a fourth-arch muscle supplied by vagus.

  • B. Stylopharyngeus

    Stylopharyngeus derives from the third arch and is supplied by glossopharyngeal nerve.

  • C. Stapedius

    Stapedius derives from the second arch and is supplied by facial nerve.

  • D. Masseter (correct)

    Correct. Masseter is a first-arch muscle.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Anatomy questions

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, Masseter. The first arch forms muscles of mastication, including masseter, and is innervated by the mandibular division of trigeminal nerve.

Why is "Levator veli palatini" not the answer?

Levator veli palatini is a fourth-arch muscle supplied by vagus.

Why is "Stylopharyngeus" not the answer?

Stylopharyngeus derives from the third arch and is supplied by glossopharyngeal nerve.

Why is "Stapedius" not the answer?

Stapedius derives from the second arch and is supplied by facial nerve.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology: pharyngeal arches in Anatomy. Stapedius is second arch, stylopharyngeus third, and levator veli palatini fourth.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Embryology: pharyngeal arches?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.