Cleft palate (redirected from Cleft palates)

cleft palate n. A congenital fissure in the roof of the mouth, resulting from incomplete fusion of the palate during embryonic development. It may involve only the uvula or extend through the entire palate. Also called palatoschisis.

cleft palate Left: cleft palate Right: unilateral cleft palate and lip

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Cleft palate

A congenital malformation in which there is an abnormal opening in the roof of the mouth that allows the nasal passages and the mouth to be improperly connected.

Mentioned in: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Swallowing Disorders, Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

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cleft palate Embryology A congenital defect characterized by a failure in the fusion of the hard and/or soft palate, often associated with cleft lip. See Cleft lip.