Orofacial clefting is a multifactorial condition

Clefting defects result from incomplete fusion of the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth.

Orofacial clefts have been linked to environmental factors such as malnutrition, maternal smoking, and maternal alcohol consumption.

Gene mutations associated with cleft defects have been found on chromosomes 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14.

---

Scroll over the images for figures on orofacial clefts: