BRANCHIAL CLEFTS Meaning and
Definition
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Branchial clefts, also known as pharyngeal clefts or gill slits, are anatomical structures that develop in the early stages of embryonic development in vertebrates. They are present in a variety of species, including fish, birds, and mammals, although they are only transient structures in mammals.
Branchial clefts form as a result of the outpouchings or grooves in the pharyngeal region of the embryo. These clefts run along the sides of the pharynx, which is the area in the throat that connects the mouth and esophagus. In fish and other aquatic animals, branchial clefts are responsible for enabling respiration by allowing the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through specialized gill structures. In birds and mammals, however, these structures are modified and usually lose their respiratory function during development.
During embryonic development in humans, branchial clefts initially appear as five pairs of openings on the sides of the neck. However, in humans, only the first pair of branchial clefts persist and develop into additional structures, such as the external auditory canal, while the others are either partially or completely obliterated. If the branchial cleft fails to close or is incompletely obliterated, it can result in the formation of a branchial cleft cyst or fistula, which may cause recurrent infections or discharge.
Overall, branchial clefts are important structures during embryonic development, playing a crucial role in respiration and the formation of certain anatomical features.
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Lateral openings behind the head in the embryo of man and other vertebrates.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BRANCHIAL CLEFTS
- vranchial clefts
- nranchial clefts
- hranchial clefts
- granchial clefts
- beanchial clefts
- bdanchial clefts
- bfanchial clefts
- btanchial clefts
- b5anchial clefts
- b4anchial clefts
- brznchial clefts
- brsnchial clefts
- brwnchial clefts
- brqnchial clefts
- brabchial clefts
- bramchial clefts
- brajchial clefts
- brahchial clefts
- branxhial clefts
- branvhial clefts
Etymology of BRANCHIAL CLEFTS
The term "branchial clefts" is derived from two sources: "branchial" and "clefts".
1. Branchial: The word "branchial" comes from the Latin word "branchia", meaning "gills". It refers to the structures that are related to or resembling the gills of fish. "Branchia" itself is derived from the Greek word "bragchia", which has the same meaning.
2. Clefts: The term "clefts" is derived from the Old English word "cleft" or "cloft", which means "split" or "crack". It refers to a division or groove in a structure.
Therefore, when combined, the term "branchial clefts" refers to the split or grooved structures that are reminiscent of gills.
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