Embryology: tongue development: 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.

Try it

Anatomy · Embryology: tongue development

Sample item

A patient's posterior third of the tongue loses general sensation and taste after glossopharyngeal nerve injury. From which embryonic structure is the mucosa of this region derived?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Third arch hypopharyngeal eminence

The mucosa of the posterior third of the tongue derives from the hypopharyngeal eminence of the third pharyngeal arch, so it is supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve. The anterior two-thirds arises from first arch swellings and is supplied by the lingual and chorda tympani nerves.

Option by option

  • A. First arch lingual swellings

    First arch lingual swellings form the anterior two-thirds, supplied by the lingual nerve.

  • B. Fourth arch epiglottal swelling

    The fourth arch epiglottal swelling forms the epiglottis and posterior-most tongue root and is supplied by the vagus.

  • C. First arch tuberculum impar

    The tuberculum impar is a small first arch midline swelling overgrown by the lingual swellings.

  • D. Third arch hypopharyngeal eminence (correct)

    Correct. Third arch tissue is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.

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, Third arch hypopharyngeal eminence. The mucosa of the posterior third of the tongue derives from the hypopharyngeal eminence of the third pharyngeal arch, so it is supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Why is "First arch lingual swellings" not the answer?

First arch lingual swellings form the anterior two-thirds, supplied by the lingual nerve.

Why is "Fourth arch epiglottal swelling" not the answer?

The fourth arch epiglottal swelling forms the epiglottis and posterior-most tongue root and is supplied by the vagus.

Why is "First arch tuberculum impar" not the answer?

The tuberculum impar is a small first arch midline swelling overgrown by the lingual swellings.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology: tongue development in Anatomy. The anterior two-thirds arises from first arch swellings and is supplied by the lingual and chorda tympani nerves.

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: tongue development?

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.