title: Defects of the first branchial cleft.
abstract: Four cases of first branchial arch defects are presented. The literature relating to such defects is reviewed and a possible embryogenic mechanism is proposed with particular reference to the disposition of the facial nerve. The classification of these defects into Types I and II by Work (1972) is supported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape, Republic of South Africa.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Hickey
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Traub
mesh_terms: D001934:Branchial Region / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology; D001935:Branchioma / Q000196:embryology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged