Craniofacial Syndromes: Etiology, Impact and Treatment

The craniofacial complex is derived from seven separate embryonic swellings (paired maxillary, mandibular and lateral nasal prominences and a singular frontonasal prominence) that grow and fuse together to form a seamless face. The craniofacial complex is derived from tissues of all embryonic origins including ectoderm, neural crest, mesoderm, and endoderm. The most common craniofacial defects affect the growth and development of first arch structures (maxillary and mandibular prominences) and the development of the oral cavity. Midline defects are caused by aberrant growth and development of the frontonasal prominence. Midline defects are among the most difficult to repair because they often involve not only cranial bones and soft tissue, but also the brain.