pharyngeal arch

English
A schematic of a human foetus with the first three pharyngeal arches labelled

Noun

pharyngeal arch (plural pharyngeal arches)

  1. (zoology, anatomy, embryology) Any of a series of structures seen in the embryo of vertebrates that are precursors for many structures, notably the jaws and (in fish) the branchial arches.
    Synonym: visceral arch

Usage notes
  • Pharyngeal arches form in the embryo of all vertebrates.
    • The first pharyngeal arch, called the mandibular arch, develops into the jaws.
    • The second, called the hyoidal arch, gives rise to the hyomandibular complex, which supports the back of the jaw and (when gills are present) the front of the gill series.
    • In gilled vertebrates (i.e., fish), the remaining arches develop into the branchial arches, which support the gills. In other vertebrates, the embryonic arches develop into several organs and anatomical features in the throat region. In birds and mammals, the hyoidal arch, too, has significantly evolved.

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