A newborn is diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome, characterized by absent thymus and parathyroid glands, and cardiac defects. This condition results from an abnormality in the development of which embryonic structures?

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

DiGeorge syndrome (often due to 22q11 deletion) involves defective development of the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches. These structures normally give rise to the thymus (leading to T-cell deficiency) and the parathyroid glands (leading to hypocalcemia).