What happens when left and right sides of fetal lip tissue fail to fuse?

When the left and right sides of the fetal lip tissue fail to fuse, the result is a cleft lip. This condition occurs during fetal development when the facial structures do not completely come together, leading to an opening or gap in the upper lip. Cleft lip can occur on one side, both sides, or be in the form of a midline cleft, and it can be associated with other anomalies, including cleft palate.

Understanding the development of facial structures can help clarify why cleft lip results specifically from the failure of lip tissue fusion. It’s important for nursing professionals to recognize this as a common congenital condition that requires early identification and intervention for management and potential surgical correction.