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INI CET 2021 May
Meckel’s cartilage develops on which day of intrauterine life?
• The mandible initially develops intramembranously, but its subsequent growth is related to the appearance of secondary cartilages (the condylar cartilage being the most important).
• The developing mandible is preceded by the appearance of a rod of cartilage belonging to the first pharyngeal (branchial) arch.
• This is known as Meckel's cartilage and it first appears at about the sixth week of intrauterine life.
• Meckel's cartilage extends from the cartilaginous otic capsule in the region of the developing ear to a midline symphysis.
• However, it makes little contribution to the adult mandible, merely providing a framework around which the bone of the mandible forms.