Congenital developmental defect arising from the primitive branchial apparatus.
Comment:
During embryonic development the major head and neck structures are formed from the five pharyngeal arches (bands of tissue). Incomplete, failed or persistent embryonic development of these arches results in several anomalies or defects in the neck.
Synonyms:
exact_synonym:
Abnormality of branchial apparatus; Abnormality of branchial arch; Branchial abnormality; Branchial anomalies