National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Which condition is characterized by the incomplete fusion of the palatine processes?

1. Cleft lip

2. Cleft palate

3. Oral fissures

4. Maxillary hypoplasia

The correct answer is: Cleft palate

The condition characterized by the incomplete fusion of the palatine processes is cleft palate. This occurs during fetal development when the two palatine processes, which form the hard palate, fail to merge properly. As a result, there is an opening in the roof of the mouth, which can lead to difficulties with feeding, speech, and increased risk of ear infections due to the connection between the oral and nasal cavities. In this context, cleft lip pertains to a separate developmental defect where the lip does not fully form, which can occur alone or in conjunction with cleft palate but is distinct in its cause and manifestation. Oral fissures and maxillary hypoplasia refer to different types of congenital anomalies. Oral fissures typically imply openings or splits in oral structures and maxillary hypoplasia involves underdevelopment of the upper jaw, neither of which are specifically linked to the fusion of the palatine processes. Therefore, cleft palate is the most accurate choice for the condition involving the incomplete fusion of these anatomical structures.