How does failure of embryonic tissues to fuse cause cleft palate?

A cleft palate is a congenital deformity that occurs during the second month of prenatal development when the palatal shelves—the structures that form the roof of the mouth—fail to fuse together.12

Normally, these shelves must close to create a complete separation between the oral and nasal cavities. When this fusion process is incomplete, a fissure remains, which can range in severity from a small opening in the soft palate to a complete separation that extends through the hard palate and into the gum. This failure of embryonic tissues to join prevents the palate from forming a solid barrier, which can lead to significant functional challenges, including difficulties with feeding, speech production, and an increased risk of ear and sinus infections.13

The condition arises due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, maternal smoking, or the use of certain medications during pregnancy, which can disrupt normal embryonic development.1