Which description matches spina bifida occulta?

Which description matches spina bifida occulta?

• A. Nonfusion of vertebral arches without disturbance of underlying neural tissue
• B. Skin-covered protruding sac containing meninges and CSF
• C. Open protruding sac containing meninges and nonfunctional nerves
• D. Nerve tissue fully exposed

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing spina bifida occulta hinges on whether there is herniation of meninges or neural tissue through a vertebral defect. In occulta, the posterior arches fail to fuse, but the spinal cord and meninges stay in place—there is no sac protruding and no disturbance of neural tissue. That’s why the description of nonfusion of vertebral arches without disturbance of underlying neural tissue best fits spina bifida occulta. Occulta can be hidden and may show subtle skin markers like a tuft of hair or a dimple, rather than any outward protrusion. In contrast, a protruding sac containing meninges and CSF points to a meningocele, an open sac with meninges and neural tissue describes a myelomeningocele, and exposed nerve tissue indicates an open neural-tube defect with neural tissue exposed.

Distinguishing spina bifida occulta hinges on whether there is herniation of meninges or neural tissue through a vertebral defect. In occulta, the posterior arches fail to fuse, but the spinal cord and meninges stay in place—there is no sac protruding and no disturbance of neural tissue. That’s why the description of nonfusion of vertebral arches without disturbance of underlying neural tissue best fits spina bifida occulta. Occulta can be hidden and may show subtle skin markers like a tuft of hair or a dimple, rather than any outward protrusion.

In contrast, a protruding sac containing meninges and CSF points to a meningocele, an open sac with meninges and neural tissue describes a myelomeningocele, and exposed nerve tissue indicates an open neural-tube defect with neural tissue exposed.