spina bifida

spina bifida definition - medical

spina bif·i·da (bĭfˈĭ-də)

noun
A congenital defect in which the spinal column is imperfectly closed so that part of the meninges or spinal cord may protrude, often resulting in neurological disorders. Also called hydrocele spinalis.

(click for a larger image)

spina bifida

Top: normal spinal cord

Center: myelomeningocele spina bifida

Bottom: showing the protrusion

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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