Pharyngeal Arches Overview

Pharyngeal Arches

• The first pharyngeal arch is called the mandibular arch and is associated with the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V).
• The mandibular arch is supplied by the first aortic arch blood vessel.
• The mandibular arch is associated with the muscles of mastication and Merkel's cartilage.
• The mandibular arch contributes to the formation of the mandible, maxilla, zygomatic bones, the squamous portion of the temporal bone, and the malleus and incus of the ear.

Hyoid Arch

• The second pharyngeal arch is called the hyoid arch and is associated with the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
• The hyoid arch is supplied by the second aortic arch blood vessel.
• The hyoid arch is associated with the muscles of facial expression and Reichert's cartilage.
• The hyoid arch contributes to the formation of part of the hyoid bone (body of hyoid), the styloid process, and the stapes.

Third Pharyngeal Arch

• The third pharyngeal arch is associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).
• The third arch is supplied by the third aortic arch blood vessel.
• The third arch is associated with the stylopharyngeal muscle, responsible for supporting swallowing. This arch does not contribute to cartilage formation.
• The third arch contributes to the formation of part of the hyoid bone, connective tissue of the thymus, and the inferior parathyroid.

Fourth Pharyngeal Arch

• The fourth pharyngeal arch is associated with the superior laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X).
• The fourth arch is supplied by the fourth aortic arch blood vessel.
• The fourth arch is associated with the laryngeal muscles and the cartilage of the larynx.
• The fourth arch contributes to the formation of the thyroid, corniculate, and cuneiform bones.