BRANCHIAL CLEFT Meaning and
Definition
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Branchial cleft, also known as a gill slit, refers to a series of embryonic developmental structures or folds that form on the sides of the neck region in the early stages of vertebrate development. In humans, branchial clefts appear during the fourth to seventh week of gestation but eventually disappear as the embryo continues to develop.
The branchial clefts are important in the formation of gill arches which serve as support structures for respiratory organs, such as gills in aquatic organisms. However, in humans, these structures do not develop into functional gills like in fish, as they are eventually replaced by other structures, most notably the formation of cartilaginous structures in the throat known as cartilaginous arches.
Although branchial clefts usually regress and disappear without leaving any external trace, in some cases, remnant vestiges called branchial cleft cysts or sinuses may persist. These cysts or sinuses can become apparent later in life, usually presenting as small masses or abnormal openings in the neck region. Branchial cleft cysts are typically benign but may occasionally become infected or cause discomfort, resulting in the need for surgical removal.
In summary, branchial clefts refer to developmental folds or structures that form on the sides of the neck during embryonic development. These structures usually disappear as the embryo progresses, but in some cases, remnants called branchial cleft cysts or sinuses may persist and require medical attention.
Common Misspellings for BRANCHIAL CLEFT
- vranchial cleft
- nranchial cleft
- hranchial cleft
- granchial cleft
- beanchial cleft
- bdanchial cleft
- bfanchial cleft
- btanchial cleft
- b5anchial cleft
- b4anchial cleft
- brznchial cleft
- brsnchial cleft
- brwnchial cleft
- brqnchial cleft
- brabchial cleft
- bramchial cleft
- brajchial cleft
- brahchial cleft
- branxhial cleft
Etymology of BRANCHIAL CLEFT
The word "branchial cleft" is derived from two terms: "branchial" and "cleft".
The term "branchial" originates from the Greek word "branchia", which means "gills". Gills are the respiratory organs found in aquatic animals like fish, which are used for breathing underwater. In early embryonic development, humans also possess structures called "branchial arches" which resemble gills. These arches form in the embryo's neck region but eventually develop into various structures like the jaw, throat, and middle ear. The term "branchial" is used to relate to anything associated with these structures.
The term "cleft" comes from the Old English word "cleftan", which means "to separate or divide". It refers to a narrow crevice or gap between two parts. In the context of anatomy, a cleft is a natural opening or fissure in the body.
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