Cleft lip

Definition

A cleft lip is a congenital deformity where the upper lip does not fully form, resulting in a split or gap. It can affect feeding and nutrition due to difficulties with sucking and swallowing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cleft lip can interfere with an infant's ability to breastfeed or bottle-feed effectively.
2. It may require surgical intervention to correct and improve function.
3. Nutritional support is crucial for infants with a cleft lip to ensure proper growth and development.
4. The condition can sometimes be associated with other congenital anomalies affecting the digestive system.
5. Specialized feeding techniques and bottles are often used to assist infants with cleft lips.

Review Questions

• What impact does a cleft lip have on an infant's ability to feed?
• Why is nutritional support important for infants born with a cleft lip?
• What are some common interventions to aid feeding in infants with a cleft lip?

Related terms

Palate: The roof of the mouth, separating oral and nasal cavities, which can also experience similar congenital conditions like clefts.

Congenital Anomaly: A birth defect that occurs during fetal development, potentially affecting various body systems including the digestive organs.

Feeding Tube: A medical device used when oral intake is insufficient or impossible, sometimes necessary for severe cases of cleft lip and palate.