A type of cleft lip

A type of cleft lip

  • Lateral nasal and medial nasal processes
  • Mandibular and maxillary process
  • Lateral nasal and maxillary process
  • Two later nasal processes

The correct answer and explanation is:

Correct Answer:

Lateral nasal and maxillary process

Explanation:

Cleft lip is a congenital deformity that occurs when the structures forming the lip fail to merge properly during embryonic development. The lip and primary palate develop between the 4th and 7th weeks of pregnancy when various facial processes fuse together. The maxillary processes (which form the upper jaw and sides of the upper lip) must fuse with the medial nasal and lateral nasal processes to complete the normal formation of the upper lip and nose.

A cleft lip occurs when this fusion fails, resulting in a gap or opening in the lip that may extend into the nose. Among the different types of cleft lips, the involvement of the lateral nasal process and maxillary process is significant in causing an oblique or lateral cleft.

Why Does This Happen?

  • Embryological Disruption: During normal development, the lateral nasal process contributes to the formation of the sides of the nose, while the maxillary process helps form the upper jaw and lateral parts of the lip. If these structures do not merge properly, a cleft lip forms.
  • Genetic Factors: Some cleft lips arise due to genetic mutations affecting facial development.
  • Environmental Factors: Maternal exposure to smoking, alcohol, or certain medications can interfere with proper facial fusion.
  • Nutritional Deficiency: Lack of folic acid during pregnancy increases the risk of cleft lip formation.

Types of Cleft Lip:

  1. Unilateral Cleft Lip: Occurs on one side of the lip.
  2. Bilateral Cleft Lip: Affects both sides of the lip.
  3. Incomplete Cleft Lip: A small notch in the upper lip.
  4. Complete Cleft Lip: Extends from the lip up to the nostril.

Now, I will generate an image to illustrate this.

Here is the medical illustration of a cleft lip caused by the failure of fusion between the lateral nasal process and maxillary process. Let me know if you need any modifications or further explanations!

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