The stapes is a derivative of which of the following pharyngeal arch?: (A) 1st arch, (B) 2nd arch, (C) 3rd arch, (D) 4th arch
Answer is B. Structures derived from second pharyngeal arch are stapes, styloid process of temporal bone, lesser cornu of hyoid bone and upper pa of hyoid bone. Skeletal and ligamentous elements derived from pharyngeal arches: First archMalleus and incusPoions of the mandibleMeckels cailageSphenomandibular ligamentAnterior ligament of malleusSecond archstapesStyloid process of temporal boneLesser cornu of hyoid boneUpper pa of hyoid boneThird archGreater cornu of hyoid boneLower pa of hyoid boneFouh archThyroid cailageCricoid cailageArytenoid cailageCorniculate and Cuneiform cailage Ref: General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System (THIEME Atlas of Anatomy) By Michael Schuenke, page 12.