Palatoschisis is a frequently occurring birth defect in man and domestic animals. It is caused by a failureof the elevation, apposition or fusion of the lateral palatine processes, resulting in the persistence of a slit-likeopening between the oral and nasal cavities. Due to swallowing difficulties, this condition eventually leads tosevere malnutrition and life-threatening aspiration pneumonia unless adequate treatment is provided. Theformation of the palate is the result of a sequence of well-regulated steps. Palatoschisis can result from anyinterference with local cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, the aberrant production ofmucopolysaccharides or interference with the active extension of the neck. It results from a single or combinedaction of genetic, mechanical and/or environmental teratogenic factors. The complex etiology of a cleft palate,its potential hereditary characteristics and possible association with other congenital defects should becarefully considered prior to any corrective therapy.