Which description best defines spina bifida?

• A. Spinal cord contents protrude through vertebrae and there may be a tuft of hair
• B. Herniation of the brain through the foramen magnum
• C. Dislocation of the hip
• D. Infection of the spinal canal

Answer: (A)

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect where the vertebral arches fail to fuse, and in open forms the spinal cord and meninges can protrude through the vertebral defect. The description that matches this is spinal cord contents protruding through the vertebrae, with a tuft of hair at the site sometimes present as a skin marker. The other scenarios describe different conditions—a brain herniation through the foramen magnum is a brainstem/cerebellar anomaly, a hip dislocation is a musculoskeletal issue, and infection of the spinal canal refers to meningitis or related infections—none of which define spina bifida.