What condition is characterized by a gap in the upper lip or palate?

Cleft lip is specifically characterized by a visible gap or opening in the upper lip, which may extend up to the nose if it is a complete cleft. This condition occurs during fetal development when the tissues forming the lip do not fully come together. It can happen alone or in combination with a cleft palate, which is a different condition involving an opening in the roof of the mouth. While both conditions relate to similar developmental issues, cleft lip explicitly refers to the gap in the upper lip. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for understanding how these conditions manifest and how they might be treated.