Second Arch Derivatives — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardAnatomy (Head & Neck)Second Arch DerivativesMFDS Part 1

In contemporary human embryology, which set comprises only direct derivatives of Reichert's cartilage proper?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Styloid process, stylohyoid ligament, and lesser horn of the hyoid

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · D = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as D · C = shown as E

A is correct. Reichert's cartilage forms the stylohyoid complex: the styloid process, stylohyoid ligament and lesser horn of the hyoid. The sphenomandibular ligament in B is associated with first-arch Meckel's cartilage. Options C and D include the greater horn of the hyoid, which is a third-pharyngeal-arch derivative; the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage is also associated with third-arch development. Option E additionally includes the thyrohyoid ligament, which is not a Reichert-cartilage derivative. Although the stapes is conventionally described as a second-arch derivative, human embryological studies indicate that it develops from a separate stapedial anlage at the cranial end of that arch. Restricting the stem to direct derivatives of Reichert's cartilage proper therefore provides a more precise and uniquely answerable question.

Reference: Karamitros I et al. The Stylohyoid Complex: An Update on Its Embryology, Comparative Anatomy and Human Variations. Biology. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41300292/