The craniofacial complex in cleft lip and palate: an update review of anatomy and function

This report has been prepared for the purpose of updating the previous State-of-the-Art reports on the status of research on the anatomy and physiology of cleft lip and palate (Dickson, et al,. 1974, 1975; Maude-Dickson, 1977). It covers the literature from August, 1976 to August, 1978, on middle ear musculature, the auditory tube, the velopharyngeal mechanism, the lip, mandible, tongue, nose, and larynx. It also includes a review of the literature from August, 1972, through August, 1978, on the growth and development of the craniofacial skeleton. Significant advances have been made in our understanding of the velopharyngeal mechanism and auditory tube. Further investigation is needed on the innervation and blood supply to the velopharyngeal mechanism and on the effects of age, race, and sex on the development of the craniofacial skeleton in both normal and cleft-palate individuals. There is a continued need for interdisciplinary research.