An Overview On Spina Bifida

Abstract

Spina bifida is a congenital malformation in which the spinal column is split (bifid) as a result of failed closure of the embryonic neural tube, during the fourth week post- fertilization. It is the second leading cause of birth defects after the congenital heart defects. This may result in lower limb weakness or paralysis that hampers or prevents walking and lack of sensation that enhances the risk of pressure sores. In this review paper, we discuss the phenotypes seen in humans as described by both surgoens and embryologists and contrast it to the leading animal model, the mouse. Thus, here we will come to know about spina bifida in all its forms both aperta and occulta and the measure of deterioration arising from caudal neural tube defects, known as spina bifida, must be determined by the level of lesion both in mouse and in man.