Meckel's Cartilage — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: C — First arch; malleus and incus; sphenomandibular and anterior malleolar ligaments

Meckel's cartilage is associated with the first pharyngeal arch. In the standard embryological scheme used for head-and-neck anatomy, its posterior region is associated with the malleus and incus, while most of the remaining cartilage regresses; the sphenomandibular and anterior malleolar ligaments persist as related fibrous remnants. The precise cellular contribution to individual ossicular components is more complex than the traditional account, so the question asks for the accepted adult associations rather than implying that every part ossifies directly from one continuous cartilage. Option D instead describes major derivatives of Reichert's cartilage of the second arch. The third arch contributes to the greater horn and lower body of the hyoid, whereas the fourth and sixth arches contribute principally to the laryngeal cartilages.

Reference: Louryan S. The origin of middle ear ossicles: A narrative and illustrated historical review. Morphologie. 2025;109:100965. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40253722/; Ogütcen-Toller M. The morphogenesis of the human discomalleolar and sphenomandibular ligaments. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 1995;23:42-46. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7699083/