definitions

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.

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Nearby words

brancher enzyme, branches of government, branchi-, branchia, branchial, branchial arch, branchial cell, branchial cleft, branchial duct, branchial groove, branchial pouch

Origin of branchial arch

First recorded in 1870–75
Also called gill arch, visceral arch.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for branchial arch

branchial arch

n.

Any of usually six embryonic arches that give rise to specialized structures in the head and neck in the higher vertebrates.gill arch pharyngeal arch visceral arch
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.