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The Nervous System

Spina bifida occulta

Bony spinous processes terminate at a much higher level because the vertebral arches fail to form properly.

The Nervous System

Spina bifida with rachischisis

= myeloschisis

About 75% of all NTDs can be prevented if all women capable of becoming pregnant consume folic acid (dose: 0.4 mg of folic acid/day)

The Nervous System

Meningocele

• Meninges (but no neural tissue) herniate through bony defect

The Nervous System

Myelomeningocele

• Meninges and neural tissue (eg, cauda equina) herniate through bony defect. Myeloschisis
• Also called rachischisis. Exposed, unfused neural tissue without skin/meningeal covering.

The Nervous System

Myeloschisis

The Nervous System

Anencephaly

• Failure of rostral neuropore to close Ž no forebrain, open calvarium.

Clinical findings:

• polyhydramnios (no swallowing center in brain).