spina bifida oc·cul·ta ( -k l t)n. Spina bifida with no protrusion of the meninges or spinal cord. Also called cryptomerorrhachischis. |
spina bifida occulta,
defective closure of the laminae of the vertebral column in the lumbosacral region without hernial protrusion of the spinal cord or meninges. The defect, which is quite common, occurs in about 5% of the population. It is identified externally by a skin depression or dimple, dark tufts of hair, telangiectasis, or soft subcutaneous lipomas at the site. Because the neural tube has closed, there are usually no neurologic impairments associated with the defect. However, any abnormal adhesion of the spinal cord to the area of the malformation may lead to neuromuscular disturbances, usually problems with gait and foot weakness and with the bowel and bladder sphincters. Compare spina bifida cystica.
spina [spi´nah] (L.)
spine (def. 1).
spina bi´fida a developmental anomaly characterized by defective closure of the bony encasement of the spinal cord; the spinal cord and meninges may or may not protrude through the defect (see spina bifida cystica and spina bifida occulta). It is further classified according to the extent of neural involvement (see meningocele and meningomyelocele). See also neural tube defect.
spina bi´fida ante´rior a defect of closure on the anterior surface of the bony spinal canal, often associated with defective development of the abdominal or thoracic viscera.
spina bi´fida cys´tica spina bifida in which there is protrusion through the defect of a cystic swelling that contains the meninges (meningocele) or the meninges and spinal cord (meningomyelocele).
spina bi´fida occul´ta spina bifida in which there is a defect in the bony spinal canal without protrusion of the cord or meninges.
Spina bifida occulta. Posterior vertebral arches have not fused; there is no herniation of the spinal cord or meninges. From Frazier et al., 2000.
spina vento´sa dactylitis of the bones of the hands or feet, occurring mostly in infants and children, with enlargement of digits, caseation, sequestration, and sinus formation.
spina
pl. spinae [L.] spine; a slender process such as occurs on many bones.
spina bifida
a developmental anomaly characterized by defective closure of the two halves of the vertebral arch through which the spinal cord and meninges may or may not protrude.
spina bifida cystica
spina bifida in which there is protrusion through the defect of a cystic swelling involving the meninges (meningocele), spinal cord (myelocele) or both (meningomyelocele).
spina bifida occulta
spina bifida in which there is a defect of the bony spinal canal without protrusion of the cord or meninges.
spina bifida ventralis
a defect of closure on the ventral surface of the bony spinal canal, often associated with defective development of the abdominal and thoracic viscera.
spina bifida occulta
Neurology Spina bifida not manifest clinically. See Spina bifida.
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