A region, of SOMITE development period, that contains a number of paired arches, each with a mesodermal core lined by ectoderm and endoderm on the two sides. In lower aquatic vertebrates, branchial arches develop into GILLS. In higher vertebrates, the arches forms outpouchings and develop into structures of the head and neck. Separating the arches are the branchial clefts or grooves.

Synonyms: Arch, Visceral, Clefts, Branchial, Pharyngeal Cleft, Branchial Arches, Visceral Arch, Archs, Pharyngeal, Branchial Arch, Branchial Groove, Pharyngeal Arch, Groove, Branchial, Pharyngeal Grooves, Branchial Grooves, Grooves, Branchial, Visceral Arches, Clefts, Pharyngeal, Cleft, Pharyngeal, Region, Branchial, Branchial Region, Arches, Visceral, Arch, Branchial, Pharyngeal Groove, Branchial Cleft, Pharyngeal Clefts, Groove, Pharyngeal, Pharyngeal Arches, Regions, Branchial, Branchial Regions, Arches, Pharyngeal, Cleft, Branchial, Grooves, Pharyngeal, Branchial Clefts, Pharyngeal Archs, Arch, Pharyngeal, Arches, Branchial