GO:0014707

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the branchiomeric skeletal muscle over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The branchiomeric muscle is derived from cranial mesoderm and controls facial expression, pharyngeal and laryngeal function, operating the jaw. The muscle begins its development with the differentiation of the muscle cells and ends with the mature muscle. Branchiomeric muscles of mammals correspond to the gill musculature of fish. [GOC:mtg_muscle]