title: First branchial cleft anomalies.
abstract: A series of nine cases of first branchial cleft anomalies treated at Children's Hospital of Michigan from 1970-1978 is presented. A review of the literature and analysis of these cases reveals that the accepted criteria for classification of these anomalies are confusing and inadequate as they preclude the proper classification of a number of these cases. The embryogenesis of these anomalies is discussed with attention given to their relationship to the facial nerve. A proper classification is suggested.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001934:Branchial Region; D001935:Branchioma / Q000196:embryology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000196:embryology; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000196:embryology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy