Neuro Exam 2 CNs

Question 1

Rachischisis

Answer 1

rachischisis totalis: entire spinal cord remains open

Rachischisis partialis: part of the spinal cord is closed and part is flayed open

Question 2

anencephaly

Answer 2

failure of the anterior neuropore to close and failure of the underlying brain to develop

meroanencephaly (meaning “without part of the brain”): more accurate because brainstem is usually still intact

Question 3

Spina Bifida

Answer 3

failure of caudal neuropore to close - vertebral arches do not close

• occulta: just vertebral arches didn’t close, covered by a tuft of hair
• meningocele: when there are meninges in the cystic pouch on the back
• meningomyelocele: meninges, CSF, and spinal cord in the cystic pouch on the back