branchial cleft

American  

noun

1. Zoology. one of a series of slitlike openings in the walls of the pharynx between the branchial arches of fishes and aquatic amphibians through which water passes from the pharynx to the exterior.

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Example Sentences

They are termed the “branchial clefts,” and are seen in the embryos of all vertebrates.

From Project Gutenberg

Branchial cysts are formed by the distension of an isolated and unobliterated portion of one of the branchial clefts.

From Project Gutenberg

The ninth nerve forks over the first branchial cleft.

From Project Gutenberg

At first there are very few of these branchial clefts; but there are soon a number of them—first in one, then in two, rows.

From Project Gutenberg

In the fishes the water that serves for breathing, and is taken in at the mouth, still always passes out by the branchial clefts at the sides of the gullet.

From Project Gutenberg