Embryology: second arch cartilage: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Embryology: second arch cartilage

Sample item

Which structure develops from the cartilage of the second pharyngeal arch (Reichert's cartilage)?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Styloid process

Reichert's cartilage forms the stapes, the styloid process, the stylohyoid ligament and the lesser horn and upper body of the hyoid. Meckel's cartilage of the first arch forms the malleus, incus and the sphenomandibular ligament. The thyroid cartilage derives from the fourth arch.

Option by option

  • A. Head of the malleus

    The malleus arises from Meckel's cartilage of the first arch.

  • B. Sphenomandibular ligament

    The sphenomandibular ligament is also a first arch derivative.

  • C. Thyroid cartilage

    The thyroid cartilage comes from the fourth arch.

  • D. Styloid process (correct)

    Correct. The styloid process arises from the second arch cartilage.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, Styloid process. Reichert's cartilage forms the stapes, the styloid process, the stylohyoid ligament and the lesser horn and upper body of the hyoid.

Why is "Head of the malleus" not the answer?

The malleus arises from Meckel's cartilage of the first arch.

Why is "Sphenomandibular ligament" not the answer?

The sphenomandibular ligament is also a first arch derivative.

Why is "Thyroid cartilage" not the answer?

The thyroid cartilage comes from the fourth arch.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology: second arch cartilage in Anatomy. Meckel's cartilage of the first arch forms the malleus, incus and the sphenomandibular ligament. The thyroid cartilage derives from the fourth arch.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Embryology: second arch cartilage?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.