Anatomy & Histology · single question
Cleft lip results from failure of fusion between which two embryologic structures?
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Correct answer: D. Medial nasal prominence and maxillary prominence
- A. Incorrect. The mandibular prominence contributes to the lower face — not upper lip.
- B. Incorrect. Failure of the two lateral nasal prominences would create a midline nasal defect.
- C. Incorrect. Failure of lateral nasal + maxillary prominence fusion would create a nasolacrimal groove defect — not a typical cleft lip.
- D. Correct. Cleft lip = failure of fusion between the MEDIAL NASAL PROMINENCE and the MAXILLARY PROMINENCE during weeks 4–7 of embryonic development. This creates the cleft in the upper lip (unilateral or bilateral).
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