Critical to the understanding of mature morphology and potential anomalous development is an appreciation for the generation of tissues associated with an anatomical complex. The development of the craniofacial organ, and more specifically the velopharyngeal complex, begins early in embryological development, third week postconception, and has a rapid development over the next 5 weeks. After this time, critical modifications occur to allow for normal function related to velopharyngeal activity. In this chapter, we will review the basic development stages, early cell migrations responsible for craniofacial development, development of the pharyngeal arches, lip and palate, development of the surrounding hard tissues, the development of the velopharyngeal muscles, their early function, and briefly anomalous development of these structures.