cleft palate

cleft palate definition - medical

cleft palate

noun
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.

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cleft palate

Left: cleft palate

Right: unilateral cleft palate and lip

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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