branchial arch

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of branchial arch¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

But the makings of a new way of feeding were already present in fish anatomy: a series of curved bones called branchial arches and the supporting muscles.

From Science Magazine

Metaspriggina boasted seven pairs of rod-like structures called gill arches, or branchial arches, that functioned for both filtration of food particles and respiration.

From Reuters

This consists of gills supported on strong arches, the branchial arches, which in the Elasmobranch fishes are from five to seven in number and uncovered with any operculum, or lid.

From Project Gutenberg

At a very early period of fœtal life a series of clefts appear on each side of the cephalic extremity, separated by rods of tissue called branchial arches.

From Project Gutenberg

The experimental group of zebra fishies had altered branchial arches—segments of cartilage that support the gills and correspond to portions of the human jaw.

From Time