branchial

branchial /bran·chi·al/ (brang´ke-al) pertaining to or resembling gills of a fish or derivatives of homologous parts in higher forms.

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bran·chi·al (brngk-l)

adj.

Of, relating to, or resembling the gills of a fish, their homologous embryonic structures, or the derivatives of their homologous parts in higher animals.

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branchial

[brang′kē·əl]

Etymology: Gk, branchia, gills

pertaining to body structures of the face, neck, and throat area, particularly the muscles.

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branchial [brang´ke-al]

pertaining to, or resembling, gills of a fish or derivatives of homologous parts in higher animals.

branchial cyst a cyst formed deep within the neck from an incompletely closed pharyngeal groove (branchial cleft), usually between the second and third pharyngeal arches (branchial arches). These two arches grow together and enclose the cervical sinus in the neck, which is a common site of a branchial cyst. Called also branchiogenic or branchiogenous cyst.

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branchial, branchiogenic, branchiogenous

pertaining to, or resembling, gills of a fish or derivatives of homologous parts in higher forms.

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branchial arches

paired arched columns that bear the gills in lower aquatic vertebrates and which, in embryos of higher vertebrates, become modified into structures of the face, mandible, ear and neck.

branchial clefts

the clefts between the branchial arches of the embryo, formed by rupture of the membrane separating corresponding entodermal pouch and ectodermal groove.

branchial cyst

a cyst formed deep within the neck from an incompletely closed branchial cleft, usually located between the second and third branchial arches. The branchial arches develop during early embryonic life and are separated by four clefts. As the fetus develops, these arches grow to form structures within the head and neck. Two of the arches grow together and enclose the cervical sinus, a cavity in the neck. A branchial cyst may develop within the cervical sinus. Called also branchiogenic or branchiogenous cyst. Seen rarely in dogs as a slowly developing swelling in the pharyngeal area, filled with saliva.

branchial groove

an external furrow lined with ectoderm, occurring in the embryo between two branchial arches.