Q4. Match each of the following organs with its correct embryological tissue of origin:    Organ Embryological Origin

  A. Thyroid gland 1. Neural crest cells  

B. Adrenal medulla  2. Intermediate mesoderm

C. Kidney 3. Endoderm

1. A

   A. A–3, B–1, C–2

2. B

   B. A–1, B–3, C–2

3. C

   C. A–2, B–1, C–3

4. D

   D. A–1, B–2, C–3

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

• The thyroid gland develops from the endoderm, specifically as an outgrowth from the floor of the primitive pharynx.
• The adrenal medulla is derived from neural crest cells, a specialized population of cells that originate from the ectoderm (neuroectoderm). These cells also form parts of the peripheral nervous system.
• The kidney (specifically the permanent metanephros) and the ureters develop from the intermediate mesoderm, which also gives rise to the gonads.
• Therefore, the correct combination is Thyroid gland–Endoderm (A–3), Adrenal medulla–Neural crest cells (B–1), and Kidney–Intermediate mesoderm (C–2).

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: This option incorrectly matches the Thyroid gland with Neural crest cells (A-1) and the Adrenal medulla with Endoderm (B-3).
• Option C: This option incorrectly matches the Thyroid gland with Intermediate mesoderm (A-2) and the Kidney with Endoderm (C-3).
• Option D: This option incorrectly matches all three organs. It assigns Neural crest cells to the Thyroid (A-1), Intermediate mesoderm to the Adrenal medulla (B-2), and Endoderm to the Kidney (C-3).

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Knowing Embryological origins of major organs from primary germ layers helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
• Understanding embryological origins is crucial for diagnosing and managing congenital anomalies. For example, defects in neural crest cell migration can lead to conditions like neuroblastoma, a tumor of the adrenal medulla.
• Knowledge of germ layers helps predict which tissues might be affected by teratogens (substances causing birth defects) at specific stages of development.
• What if? If a patient has a congenital kidney anomaly (e.g., renal agenesis), a nurse should be aware of potential associated anomalies in the reproductive system (e.g., uterine anomalies), as both arise from the intermediate mesoderm.

How to Approach the Question

• This is a 'Match the Following' question that tests your recall of fundamental embryology.
• First, carefully read the two lists: the organs (A, B, C) and the embryological tissues (1, 2, 3).
• Attempt to match each organ with its origin individually. Start with the one you are most certain about.
• For example, you might recall that the adrenal medulla is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which points to a neural origin (Neural crest cells). This gives you B-1.
• Next, consider the thyroid gland. It's part of the system derived from the primitive gut tube, which is lined by endoderm. This gives you A-3.
• Finally, the kidney is a major organ derived from the middle germ layer, specifically the intermediate mesoderm. This gives you C-2.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Embryological origins of major organs from primary germ layers.
• Stem keywords: Thyroid gland, Adrenal medulla, Kidney, Embryological Origin, Match
• Lead-in keywords: Match
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QxI70A-cLsKxA7LnuFPeF_

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 28-48

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 2 pp. 95-97, 33-35