branchial arch

noun

Medical Definition of branchial arch

: one of a series of bony or cartilaginous arches that develop in the walls of the mouth cavity and pharynx of a vertebrate embryo, consist typically of a curved segmented bar or rod on each side meeting the contralateral bar or rod at the ventral end, and correspond to the gill arches of fishes and amphibians

— called also pharyngeal arch, visceral arch

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Dictionary Entries Near branchial arch

branchial

branchial arch

branchial cleft

Cite this Entry

“Branchial arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/branchial%20arch. Accessed 1 Jul. 2022.

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