Definition of Palate, cleft

Palate, cleft: An opening in the roof of the mouth (the palate) due to a failure of the palatal shelves to come fully together from either side of the mouth and fuse, as they normally should, during embryonic development.

The opening in the palate permits communication between the nasal passages and the mouth. Surgery is needed to close the palate.

Cleft lip is a common physical birth defects, although not as common as cleft lip. About 1 baby in 2,000 is born with cleft palate versus 1 baby in 1,000 with cleft lip.

Cleft palate can occur with or without cleft lip. If normal parents have a child with a cleft lip and palate, there is an increased risk (about 4-5%) for their other children to be affected. If a child has cleft palate only, the risk for the next child is lower (just under 3%).