The thyroid cartilage derives from which arch cartilage?

• A. First pharyngeal arch
• B. Fourth pharyngeal arch
• C. Second pharyngeal arch
• D. Sixth pharyngeal arch

Answer: (B)

The ventral part of the fourth pharyngeal arch cartilage forms the thyroid cartilage. During development, the laryngeal skeleton arises mainly from the fourth and sixth arches, with the fourth arch contributing the thyroid and most of the anterior laryngeal framework, while the sixth arch contributes to the cricoid and other intrinsic cartilages. So, the thyroid cartilage’s origin is the fourth pharyngeal arch.