Which cartilage is associated with the second pharyngeal arch?

Which cartilage is associated with the second pharyngeal arch?

• A. Meckel's cartilage
• B. Reichert's cartilage
• C. Stapes cartilage
• D. Laryngeal cartilage

Answer: (B)

The second pharyngeal arch is associated with Reichert's cartilage. This cartilage gives rise to structures in the middle ear and surrounding neck region, including the stapes, and contributes to the styloid process, the stylohyoid ligament, and the lesser horn and upper body of the hyoid bone. In contrast, the first arch forms Meckel's cartilage (giving rise to the mandible and the malleus/incus), and the laryngeal cartilages come from the fourth to sixth arches. So Reichert's cartilage is the cartilage linked to the second arch.

The second pharyngeal arch is associated with Reichert's cartilage. This cartilage gives rise to structures in the middle ear and surrounding neck region, including the stapes, and contributes to the styloid process, the stylohyoid ligament, and the lesser horn and upper body of the hyoid bone. In contrast, the first arch forms Meckel's cartilage (giving rise to the mandible and the malleus/incus), and the laryngeal cartilages come from the fourth to sixth arches. So Reichert's cartilage is the cartilage linked to the second arch.