What is congenital furrow in the upper lip, sometimes associated with a cleft palate, called?

The term "cleft lip" refers to a congenital condition where there is an opening or gap in the upper lip that can range in severity from a small notch to a significant separation that extends up into the nose. This condition can occur alone or in conjunction with a cleft palate, where there is a similar opening in the roof of the mouth. The association with a cleft palate is particularly noteworthy, as these two conditions often occur together as part of a spectrum of facial congenital anomalies.

Cleft lip can manifest as a furrow in the upper lip, sometimes resembling a "hare lip," which is an older term more commonly used to describe these types of conditions. However, the medical community predominantly uses "cleft lip" to ensure clarity and specificity in describing the anomaly.

Understanding the terminology related to these congenital changes is crucial for recognizing and discussing facial abnormalities, particularly in the context of health care and patient education.