neural tube defect

noun

Pathology.

1. any of a group of congenital abnormalities involving the brain and spinal cord, including spina bifida and meningocele, caused by failure of the neural tube to close properly during embryonic development.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neural tube defect¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

When this process fails, babies can have something called a neural tube defect, which includes spina bifida where, in the severest form, the spine is exposed and can be damaged.

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There are a number of fetal conditions in which doctors generally agree there is “truly zero probability for a healthy outcome,” including anencephaly, a severe neural tube defect in which the skull doesn’t form and the brain is exposed, said David Hackney, a spokesperson for the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and a high-risk obstetrician in the Cleveland area.

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"Each neural tube defect is a tragedy - I see no reason not to move to a higher level of fortification."

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Hall's fetus was diagnosed with anencephaly, a neural tube defect in which the brain, skull and scalp do not develop properly in the womb.

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One example of this would be if a fetus is diagnosed with anencephaly, Hackney said, which is a type of neural tube defect when a baby is born without parts of their brain and skull.

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