Development of the Face and Palate

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the development of the face and palate, including definitions and relevant concepts.

Medial nasal process

The segment that provides the first separation between the nasal and oral cavities during facial development.

Philtrum

The median nasal process of the upper lip after fusion, creating a groove above the upper lip.

Palatal clefts

Defects that occur when the palatine shelves do not fuse correctly, leading to openings in the palate.

Thyroglossal duct

The duct that connects the thyroid gland to the tongue during its migration downwards.

Cleft lip

The most common facial malformation, classified as unilateral or bilateral and can be complete or incomplete.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death, which is involved in removing the epithelial barrier during palatal fusion.

Bilateral complete cleft of lip

A severe form of cleft lip where both sides of the lip are affected, typically requiring surgical intervention.

Unilateral complete cleft lip and palate

A form of cleft that affects one side of the lip and extends to the palate, leading to functional and aesthetic issues.

Auricular hillocks

Six tissue hillocks that form the external ear from the first and second pharyngeal arches.

Hard palate

The bony structure that forms the anterior portion of the palate, separating the oral and nasal cavities.

Lateral palatine processes

The lateral segments that develop from maxillary tissues to contribute to the formation of the palate.

Premature nasal pit formation

The process during facial development when bilateral nasal placodes appear and deepen to form nostrils.

Bifid uvula

A mild form of cleft palate indicating potential submucosal cleft, affecting the uvula.

Mandibular arch

The first pharyngeal arch that contributes to the formation of the lower jaw and associated structures during development.

Cleft palate

A condition resulting from improper fusion of the palatine shelves, leading to an opening between the oral and nasal cavities.

Waldeyer tonsillar ring

The ring of tonsils composed of lingual, palatine, and pharyngeal tonsils.