A branch (UK /ˈbrɑːntʃ/ or UK /ˈbræntʃ/, US /ˈbræntʃ/) or tree branch (sometimes referred to in botany as a ramus) is a woody structural member connected to but not part of the central trunk of a tree (or sometimes a shrub). Large branches are known as boughs and small branches are known as twigs.

While branches can be nearly horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, the majority of trees have upwardly diagonal branches.

The term "twig" often refers to a terminus, while "bough" refers only to branches coming directly from the trunk.

Because of the enormous quantity of branches in the world, there are a variety of names in English alone for them. In general however, unspecific words for a branch (such as rise and rame) have been replaced by the word branch itself.

A bough can also be called a limb or arm, and though these are arguably metaphors, both are widely accepted synonyms for bough.

A crotch is an area where a trunk splits into two or more boughs.

A twig is frequently referred to as a sprig as well, especially when it has been plucked. Other words for twig include branchlet, spray, and surcle, as well as the technical terms surculus and ramulus.

Michelle Jacquet DeSevren Branch (born July 2, 1983) is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and actress. During the early 2000s, she released two top-selling albums, The Spirit Room and Hotel Paper, and was subsequently nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2003. In 2005, she formed the country music duo The Wreckers with friend and fellow musician Jessica Harp, and produced the Grammy-nominated single "Leave the Pieces". The Wreckers disbanded in 2007 to pursue their respective solo careers. She has had several commercially successful songs, most notably winning a Grammy with Santana for "The Game of Love".

Michelle Jacquet DeSevren Branch was born on July 2, 1983, in Phoenix, Arizona, to David and Peggy Branch, six months after they were married. Her father is of Irish descent, and her mother is of Dutch Indonesian and French descent. Her siblings include an older half-brother named David and a younger sister named Nicole.

Beginning to sing at the age of three, Branch enrolled in voice lessons at Northern Arizona University when she was eight, and received her first guitar for her fourteenth birthday. After teaching herself chords, she composed her first song "Fallen" within a week of receiving her guitar. She initially attended Sedona Red Rock High School, but finished the last two years of her high school education through home schooling so that she could focus on her music career. To support Branch's interests, her parents helped her book local gigs in Sedona, AZ, and later financed her independent album Broken Bracelet. Her set list at these gigs included covers by Sheryl Crow, Lisa Loeb, Jewel, and Fleetwood Mac.

John Alec "Johnnie" Jackson (born 15 August 1982) is an English footballer currently playing for Charlton Athletic. He usually plays as a left sided midfielder but can also play as a central midfielder or a left-back.

Jackson began his career at Tottenham Hotspur in 1999, signing professional terms in 2000; however he rarely broke into the first-team, scoring once in the league in a 4–2 win at Charlton Athletic in February 2004.

During his time at White Hart Lane he spent many seasons on loan at various lower league clubs, such as Swindon Town where he scored twice, once in the league against Northampton Town, and once in the Football League Trophy against Southend United. He also went on loan to Colchester United, whom he would later join on a permanent basis. Jackson earned admiration while on loan at Coventry City when he scored the last-minute winning goal against local rivals West Bromwich Albion.

In the summer of 2006 he was released by Tottenham. He was soon signed for free by Colchester, who were recently promoted to the Championship, and whom he had played for on loan in 2003. He scored his first goal for the club in February 2007, when Colchester lost 2–1 against West Brom. In the 2007/2008 season Johnnie won the clubs Player of the year award. During the 2008–09 season with Colchester United, Jackson did not play as many games as he first hoped with a back injury that was aggravated during the 1–1 draw against Milton Keynes Dons.

Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. (born October 20, 1971), better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg (formerly known as Snoop Doggy Dogg), is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school. Shortly after graduation, he was arrested for cocaine possession and spent six months in Wayside County Jail. His music career began in 1992 after his release when he was discovered by Dr. Dre. He collaborated on several tracks on Dre's solo debut, The Chronic and on the titular theme song to the film Deep Cover.

Snoop's debut album Doggystyle, was released in 1993 under Death Row Records making a debut at No.1 on both the Billboard 200 and R&B charts. Selling almost a million copies in the first week of its release, Doggystyle quickly became certified 4× platinum in 1994 and spawned several hit singles, including "What's My Name" and "Gin & Juice". In 1994, Snoop released a soundtrack on Death Row Records for the short film Murder Was The Case, starring himself. In early 1996, Snoop Dogg was cleared of charges over his bodyguard's 1993 murder of Philip Woldemariam. His second album, late 1996's Tha Doggfather, also debuted at No.1 on both charts with "Snoop's Upside Ya Head" as the lead single. The album sold only half as well, being certified double platinum in 1997.

Johnnie Otis Jackson (born January 30, 1971 in Hammonton, New Jersey) is an IFBB professional bodybuilder. Jackson is sometimes referred to as the World's Strongest Bodybuilder.

Jackson first competed in an NPC (National Physique Committee) in 2001, where he won the NPC USA. His first IFBB competition was the GNC Show of Strength (now defunct) of 2002, where he placed 10th. His first IFBB Night of Champions was in 2003, where he placed 5th. Later that same year he competed in the Ironman Pro Invitational, where he placed 9th.

In 2003 he competed in his first Mr. Olympia, where he placed 11th. His first Arnold Classic was in 2006, where he placed 13th. Jackson regularly competes in powerlifting events and often incorporates this type of training into his workouts. Jackson lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and trains at Metroflex Gym in Arlington, Texas, with training partner Branch Warren.