Spina bifida occulta Spinal cord Tuft of hair Skin

Spina bifida occulta Usually found on accident via x-rays or examination of the back. The skin that covers the zone is fully in tact and sometimes a tuft of hair tells where the bone structures are missing

Spina bifida aperta Spinal cord Mostly intact skin over the meningocele Meningocele with cerebrospinal fluid

Spina bifida aperta Besides absence of the bone structure, there is an abnormality with the meningocele. (this is the layer of tissue that surrounds the spinal cord) Mildest form – protrusion of the meninges under the skin through the cleft in the vertebral arch (pink)

Spina bifida aperta (myelomeningocele)

Spina bifida aperta (myeloschisis)

The severest form of spina bifida. The nerve tissue is exposed (lacks a dermal covering). This abnormality is caused by lack of closure in the neural fold.

Anencephaly When the neural folds do not fuse in the cranial region of the neural tube.