Meckel’s Cartilage: Structure, Development, and Fate Explained

Meckel’s Cartilage: Structure, Development, and Fate Explained

Write short note on Meckel’s cartilage.
Answer. Cartilage of fist branchial arch is known as “Meckel’s cartilage”.

“Understanding the role of Meckel’s cartilage in craniofacial development”

• It is present bilaterally as cartilaginous bar.
• It extends from the cartilaginous otic capsule to the midline or symphysis and provides the template for guiding the growth of the mandible.
• Posteriorly both the cartilages end up in malleus.
• Malleus and incus are derived from Meckel’s cartilage.

“Role of Meckel’s cartilage in forming the mandible: Questions answered”

• A portion of cartilage extend from middle ear to mandible disappear and sheath of Meckle’s cartilage form anterior ligament of malleus and sphenomandibular ligament.
• Mesenchymal condensation lateral to Mecklel’s cartilage give rise to condylar cartilage.
• As the ossification of the mandible bone takes place, the Meckel’s cartilage becomes surrounded and invaded by the bone.
• Ossification stops at the site that will later become the mandibular lingual from where the Meckel’s cartilage into middle ear and develops into the auditory ossicles, i.e. malleus and incus. The sphenomandibular ligament which extends from lingual of mandible to the sphenoid bone also forms the remnant of the Meckel’s cartilage.

“Importance of studying Meckel’s cartilage for better anatomical outcomes”

“Common challenges in understanding Meckel’s cartilage development: FAQs provided”