Anatomy and Embryology of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are among the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies, resulting from the failure of fusion between embryonic facial processes during development. These anomalies significantly affect facial aesthetics, speech, feeding, and psychosocial wellbeing, necessitating a multidisciplinary treatment approach. It also explores the range of cleft types, from unilateral and bilateral cleft lips to complex cleft palates, and reviews multiple classification systems used globally to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.With the rising awareness of the social and functional impact of CLP, this document advocates for timely diagnosis and evidence-based management, grounded in a deep understanding of embryological development.