What is spina bifida-?

Answer 1

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida (Latin: "split spine") is a developmental birth defect involving the neural tube: incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube results in an incompletely formed spinal cord. In addition, the bones of the spine (vertebrae) overlying the open portion of the spinal cord do not fully form and remain unfused and open. This allows the abnormal portion of the spinal cord to protrude through the opening in the bones. There may or may not be a fluid filled sac surrounding the open spinal cord.

Spina Bifida malformations fall into three categories: Spina Bifida Occulta, Spina Bifida Cystica (meningomyelocele), and meningocele. The most common location of the malformations is the lumbar and sacral areas of the spinal cord. Meningomyelocele is the most significant form and is that which leads to disability in most affected individuals. The terms Spina Bifida and meningomyelocele are usually used interchangeably.

Spina Bifida can be surgically closed after birth, but this does not restore normal function to the affected part of the spinal cord and an individual with this condition will have dysfunction of the spinal cord and associated nerves from the point of the open defect and below. Intrauterine surgery for Spina Bifida has also been performed and the safety and efficacy of this procedure is currently being investigated with an NICHD-funded grant. The incidence of Spina Bifida can be decreased up to 70% when daily folic acid supplements are taken prior to conception.1
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spina_bifida

i believe you mean Spina bifida when meansa congenital neural tube defect in which part of the meninges or spinal cord protrudes through the spinal column, often resulting in neurological impairment.

Answer 2

Spina bifida means that one has a split spine. It is a developmental congenital disorder where some vertebrae overlying the spinal cord are not fully formed and remain unfused and open.