Changes

[[Image:Cleft-palate.gif|right|thumb|300px|<small><center>A congenital cleft palate defect (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]]

[[Image:Cleft-palate.gif|right|thumb|300px|<small><center>A congenital cleft palate defect (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]]

==Description==

==Description==

An abnormal communication between the [[Nasal cavity - Anatomy & Physiology| nasal]] and [[Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology| oral]] cavities involving the [[Soft Palate| soft palate]] , [[Hard Palate| hard palate]], premaxilla and or [[Lips|lip]] . Abnormalities arise during foetal development where there is incomplete closure of the primary palate, secondary palate or both.  

An abnormal communication between the [[Nasal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology| nasal]] and [[Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology| oral]] cavities involving the [[Soft Palate| soft palate]] , [[Hard Palate| hard palate]], premaxilla and or [[Lips|lip]] . Abnormalities arise during foetal development where there is incomplete closure of the primary palate, secondary palate or both.  

The primary palate develops into the premaxilla and lip. If closure is not complete this will result in a primary palate or cleft lip (harelip).

The primary palate develops into the premaxilla and lip. If closure is not complete this will result in a primary palate or cleft lip (harelip).

The secondary palate forms the hard and soft palate and incomplete closure of either of these results in a secondary palate or cleft palate.

The secondary palate forms the hard and soft palate and incomplete closure of either of these results in a secondary palate or cleft palate.