Branchial fistula is a medical condition that occurs due to the incomplete closure of the embryonic gill apparatus. The word "branchial" is pronounced as /ˈbræŋ.ki.əl/, with emphasis on the first syllable, and the word "fistula" is pronounced as /ˈfɪs.tjʊ.lə/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The phonetic transcription of this word helps to understand its spelling and pronunciation accurately. People affected by branchial fistula can have recurrent infections and require surgical intervention to prevent further complications.
A branchial fistula is a congenital abnormality that arises from a failure of complete obliteration of embryonic branchial arches during fetal development. It is characterized by the presence of a passage or connection between the skin surface and the pharynx or tonsillar area.
The term "branchial" refers to the branchial arches, which are a series of arches located in the neck region of the embryo. These arches are important in the development of various structures in the head and neck region. During normal development, these arches usually disappear or merge to form other structures. However, in the case of a branchial fistula, there is incomplete closure of these structures, resulting in the formation of an abnormal passage.
The fistula typically manifests as a small opening or pit on the lateral aspect of the neck near the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This opening may be associated with recurrent infections or discharge, especially during throat or upper respiratory tract infections.
Branchial fistulas are classified into different types based on their location and associated symptoms. Treatment of branchial fistula usually involves surgical excision to remove the abnormal tract and prevent recurrence or complications.
In summary, a branchial fistula is an abnormal connection between the skin surface and the pharynx or tonsillar area due to the incomplete closure of embryonic branchial arches during fetal development. Surgical intervention is typically required to treat this congenital abnormality.
A congenital fistula in the neck due to incomplete closure of a branchial cleft.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "branchial fistula" has its etymology in the combination of two terms: "branchial" and "fistula".
- "Branchial" originates from the Latin word "branchia" which means "gills". It is derived from the Greek word "branchia" which has the same meaning. This term is used to refer to structures or characteristics related to gills or gill arches.
- "Fistula" comes from the Latin word "fistula" meaning "pipe" or "tube". It is used to describe an abnormal passage or communication between two organs or between an organ and the body surface.
Therefore, when combined, the term "branchial fistula" refers to an abnormal tube-like passage that occurs in relation to the branchial or gill structures. This condition typically involves an abnormal opening in the neck area that is connected to the throat or pharynx.