OPTION 1

 

•            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.