Syndromology's message for craniofacial biology.

Syndromology is a misunderstood specialty that has much to contribute to the understanding of cranio-facial biology in general and the study of craniofacial anomalies in particular. An introduction to the practice of syndromology and the rudiments of syndrome delineation is presented. The aetiology and pathogenesis of selected craniofacial anomalies (Robin complex, hemifacial microsomia, and craniosynostosis) are considered from the perspective of syndromology.