Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Image

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.
IM01543

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger