Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Cleft Lip and Palate
Congenital facial malformation involving incomplete fusion of lip and/or palate structures during fetal development.
Full Definition
Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when facial structures developing in an unborn baby don't close completely. Cleft lip involves a split in the upper lip, while cleft palate involves an opening in the roof of the mouth. These can occur separately or together, unilaterally or bilaterally. The conditions affect feeding, speech development, hearing, and facial appearance, requiring multidisciplinary care including plastic surgery, orthodontics, speech therapy, and audiology throughout childhood.
Usage
Usage note: Can occur as isolated defects or as part of syndromic conditions; requires team approach.
In Context
- "The complete unilateral cleft lip and palate required staged reconstruction beginning with lip repair at 3 months." — Plastic surgery consultation
- "Speech therapy was initiated following cleft palate repair to address velopharyngeal insufficiency." — Multidisciplinary team note
Also known as
Orofacial Cleft
Don't confuse with
Cleft Lip alone
Isolated Cleft Palate
Submucous Cleft