CLEFT PALATE Meaning and
Definition
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Cleft palate is a congenital condition that refers to a facial malformation where the roof of the mouth (palate) has a split or opening (cleft). Typically, it occurs during fetal development when the structures of the baby's mouth and lips fail to fully fuse together. This malformation can vary in severity, ranging from a small notch in the back of the palate to a complete separation of the palate into two halves.
Cleft palate can significantly impact an individual's ability to speak, eat, and even breathe. Speech difficulties often arise due to the incomplete closure of the oral cavity, leading to a nasal quality in the person's voice. Feeding can also be compromised, as the opening in the palate may make it difficult for infants to suck or create pressure in their mouth while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
The treatment of cleft palate often involves surgical intervention to repair the opening and restore the normal function of the palate. This typically occurs before a child reaches 12 months of age, but can also be done later in life if necessary. Alongside surgery, individuals with cleft palate often require long-term support from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including speech therapists and orthodontists, to address any complications that may arise as a result of the condition.
Overall, cleft palate is a congenital condition characterized by an incomplete fusion of the roof of the mouth, which can impact speech, feeding, and breathing. Early intervention and ongoing therapy are essential in managing the condition and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
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• A congenital fissure in the roof of the mouth, due to failure of the palate bones to unite; usually associated with harelip.
• Palatum fissum, uranoschisis; a congenital fissure in the median line of the palate, usually associated with harelip.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CLEFT PALATE
- xleft palate
- vleft palate
- fleft palate
- dleft palate
- ckeft palate
- cpeft palate
- coeft palate
- clwft palate
- clsft palate
- cldft palate
- clrft palate
- cl4ft palate
- cl3ft palate
- cledt palate
- clect palate
- clevt palate
- clegt palate
- clett palate
- clert palate
Etymology of CLEFT PALATE
The word "cleft palate" is derived from Old English and Middle English.
The term "cleft" comes from the Old English word "cleft", meaning a split or a crack. It has related roots in Old Norse, Middle Dutch, and Middle High German. In English, "cleft" has been used since the 14th century to describe a fissure or an opening, particularly in natural objects like rock formations or cliffs.
The word "palate" originates from the Latin "palatum", which referred to the roof of the mouth. This Latin term has its roots in the Ancient Greek "palatum". The word was adopted into Middle English around the 14th century, and it has been used to describe the structure that separates the mouth from the nasal cavity.
Similar spelling words for CLEFT PALATE
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