Spina Bifida
SPINA BIFIDA
WHAT IS SPINA BIFIDA?
Spina bifida is a fault in the spinal column in which one or more vertebrae (the bones which form the backbone) fail to form properly, leaving a gap or split, causing damage to the central nervous system. To help understand what it is, let us explain about the composition of the nervous system.
THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. All activities are controlled by the brain which receives information from touching, seeing, feeling, tasting and hearing -- responding to this information by initiating the appropriate movements of different parts of the body. Messages from the brain are carried to different parts of the body by the spinal cord which runs down the center of the spinal column. This communication system for the body is very important and needs protection.
The Spine
The spine is made up of 33 bones or vertebrae. The vertebrae have two main functions. One is to provide anchorage for muscles so that we can move as we dictate to those muscles. The other is to provide protection to the spinal cord.
The Neural Tube
The central nervous system and spine develop between the 14th and 28th day after conception. Spina bifida occurs when there is a failure of development of the bony canal which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. In the spine, the affected vertebrae have a defect posteriorly (at the back) so that a bony ring does not completely surround the spinal cord. This leaves a gap so that, instead of the posterior arm being whole it is divided -- that is bifid. The fault may occur in one or more of the vertebrae but it is most common around waist-level.
TYPES OF SPINA BIFIDA
There are three main types of spina bifida:
Spina Bifida Occulta (hidden)
This is a very mild and common...
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