The splanchnocranium is the portion of the cranium that is derived from pharyngeal arches. Splanchno indicates to the gut because the face forms around the mouth, which is an end of the gut. The splanchnocranium consists of cartilage and endochondral bone. In mammals, the splanchnocranium comprises the three ear ossicles, as well as the alisphenoid, the styloid process, the hyoid apparatus, and the thyroid cartilage.