The section of the skeleton linked with the sense organs and the viscera: In primitive vertebrates, like fish, the cartilaginous or bony arches (branchial) encircle the pharyngeal portion of the digestive tract.

In higher vertebrates, the bones derived from the branchial arches, includ the maxilla, mandible, maleus, incus, stapes, hyoid bone, and cartilages of the larynx.