Spina bifida is a congenital defect characterized by the spinal canal failing to close completely around the spinal cord to protect it.

Spina bifida is a congenital defect characterized by the spinal canal failing to close completely around the spinal cord to protect it.

• A. It is a degenerative condition of the spine.
• B. A congenital defect that occurs during early pregnancy when the spinal canal fails to close completely around the spinal cord to protect it.
• C. It is an infectious disease of the spinal cord.
• D. It is a nerve injury resulting from trauma.

Answer: (B)

Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect that occurs when the spinal canal does not close completely around the spinal cord during early embryonic development in pregnancy. Because it’s present at birth and results from a developmental failure, it isn’t a degenerative condition, an infectious disease, or a trauma-related nerve injury. The description that emphasizes its congenital nature and the closing failure during early pregnancy best reflects what spina bifida is.

Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect that occurs when the spinal canal does not close completely around the spinal cord during early embryonic development in pregnancy. Because it’s present at birth and results from a developmental failure, it isn’t a degenerative condition, an infectious disease, or a trauma-related nerve injury. The description that emphasizes its congenital nature and the closing failure during early pregnancy best reflects what spina bifida is.