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Spina bifida

Illustration of spina bifida

At 21 days after conception (left drawing), folds of tissue on the back of a developing embryo are rapidly growing together (see lines) to form the neural tube. Just a day later (center drawing), the growth is almost complete. If the tissue fails to close completely (right drawing), development of the spine, muscle and skin in this region is affected and the baby will be born with spina bifida.
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