branchial arch

branchial arch Word Origin noun

1. 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.
2. 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.

Origin of branchial arch First recorded in 1870–75 Also called gill arch, visceral arch. branchial arch in Medicine branchial arch n.

1. 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