Which embryological tissue forms most of the posterior skull?

Which embryological tissue forms most of the posterior skull?

• A. Neural crest cells
• B. Paraxial mesoderm
• C. Endoderm
• D. Ectoderm

Answer: (B)

Paraxial mesoderm forms most of the posterior skull, via the occipital somites that contribute to the bones at the base and back of the skull. Neural crest cells (from the ectoderm) mostly build the anterior skull and facial bones, while endoderm lines the gut and does not form skull bones. So the tissue type responsible for the posterior skull is paraxial mesoderm.

Paraxial mesoderm forms most of the posterior skull, via the occipital somites that contribute to the bones at the base and back of the skull. Neural crest cells (from the ectoderm) mostly build the anterior skull and facial bones, while endoderm lines the gut and does not form skull bones. So the tissue type responsible for the posterior skull is paraxial mesoderm.