Describe the process of the development of the viserocranium

-The viscerocranium is mainly derived from the first 2 pharyngeal arches, which are clusters of mesoderm that form in the neck region of the developing embryo -The first pharyngeal arch has two parts – a dorsal and a ventral process. The dorsal process also called the maxillary process,contains the cells that will form the bones of the maxilla, as well as the zygomatic and part of the temporal bones - The ventral process also called the mandibular process contains a cluster of cells called Meckel’s cartilage. Intramembranous ossification of this cartilage will give rise to the mandible. -the dorsal tip of the mandibular process of the first pharyngeal arch and the dorsal tip of the second pharyngeal arch will form the ossicles of the ear – the smallest bones in the human body -The facial bones of the viscerocranium are also derived from neural crest cells which have migrated to this region. - The face of a newborn is relatively small in proportion to the neurocranium. -The face of a newborn is relatively small in proportion to the neurocranium. As the sinuses inside the bones grow and the permanent dentition develops, the shape of the viscerocranium changes rapidly until it reaches a more balanced proportion with the neurocanium