branchial arch

noun

Zoology. one of a series of bony or cartilaginous arches on each side of the pharynx that support the gills of fishes and aquatic amphibians; gill bar.
Embryology. one of a series of archlike mesodermal thickenings of the body wall in the pharyngeal region of the embryo of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

First recorded in 1870–75

The anterior cornu or free part of the first branchial arch is much the largest of the three structures.

In no single animal is there any evidence that the foremost arch, the mandibular, is a true branchial arch.

A more probable view is that it develops from rests derived from the first branchial arch an not from the parotid.

The hyoid is united with the first branchial arch, but has no attachment to the cranium.

The first branchial arch is well developed, the hyoid arch but slightly.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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