cleft palate

a birth abnormality in which the roof of the mouth does not completely fuse, leaving an opening that can extend into the nasal cavity. The cleft may involve either side of the palate. It can extend from the front of the mouth (hard palate) to the throat (soft palate). Cleft palate may also be seen in conjunction with cleft lip. Fetal cleft lip can sometimes be diagnosed before birth by ultrasound.