pharyngeal arches


pharyngeal arches

1. obliquely disposed, rounded ridges on either side of the head and neck of human embryos during the fourth and fifth gestational weeks, which contribute to formation of the face and neck. 2. aggregate of the pharyngeal arches, pouches, grooves, and membranes seen in the developing embryo of vertebrates. Synonym(s): branchial apparatus, pharyngeal apparatus, visceral arches

pha·ryn·ge·al arch·es

(făr-in'jē-al ahrch'ĕz) Obliquely disposed, rounded ridges on either side of the head and neck of human embryos during fourth and fifth gestational weeks, which contribute to formation of face and neck.