Which structural malformation of the spine results from the posterior portion of the spinal tissue failing to close during the first three months of pregnancy?

Which structural malformation of the spine results from the posterior portion of the spinal tissue failing to close during the first three months of pregnancy?

• A. Talipes
• B. Down Syndrome
• C. Spina Bifida
• D. Cleft Palate

Answer: (C)

This question is about a neural tube defect. In early development, the neural tube forms the brain and spinal cord, and the back part must close to enclose the spinal cord inside the spine. If that posterior closure fails during early pregnancy, a gap remains in the spine, which is spina bifida. The condition can range from mild to severe, depending on how much of the spinal tissue and meninges protrude or are exposed, and it can affect motor function, sensation, and bladder or bowel control. Other options describe different conditions—talipes is a foot deformity, Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition, and cleft palate is a failure of the palate to fuse—so they don’t describe a failure of the spine’s posterior closure.

This question is about a neural tube defect. In early development, the neural tube forms the brain and spinal cord, and the back part must close to enclose the spinal cord inside the spine. If that posterior closure fails during early pregnancy, a gap remains in the spine, which is spina bifida. The condition can range from mild to severe, depending on how much of the spinal tissue and meninges protrude or are exposed, and it can affect motor function, sensation, and bladder or bowel control. Other options describe different conditions—talipes is a foot deformity, Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition, and cleft palate is a failure of the palate to fuse—so they don’t describe a failure of the spine’s posterior closure.