Dictionary > Rachischisis

Rachischisis

Definition
noun
The embryological failure of the neural tube to fuse or close completely thereby resulting in the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord not to fuse and remain open leaving the spinal cord exposed
Supplement
Rachischisis is a developemental birth defect. The posterior neuropore of the neural tube of the developing embryo in the uterus failed to close completely. Rachischisis may affect anywhere along the vertebral axis; it may also affect the entire spine.1
Rachischisis is found to occur commonly with cranial neural tube defects such as anencephaly, acrania, iniencephaly, and myelomeningocele.
Rachischisis is a form of spina bifida, which is a defect during embryological development characterized by an incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes surrounding the spinal cord. Two major types of spina bifida include the spina bifida occulta and the spina bifida cystica. Rachischisis is a subtype of spina bifida cystica together with the other subtypes such as meningocele and myelomeningocele. Rachischisis is described to be the most severe form among the three subtypes.2
Word origin: Greek rachis (spine) + schizein (to split)
Synonym(s):

  • myeloschisis
  • spinal dysraphism
  • spondyloschisis
  • cleft spine

See also:

  • Iniencephaly
  • Derencephaly
  • Derencephalia
  • Spina bifida
  • Cranioschisis
  • Related term(s):

    • Rachischisis partialis
    • Rachischisis totalis

    Reference(s):

    1 Özek, M., Cinalli, G. & Maixner, W. (2008). Spina bifida management and outcome. Milan New York: Springer.

    2 Kavanagh, S. and Tidy, C. (2014). Spina Bifida. Retrieved from http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/spina-bifida-pro


    You will also like...

    The process of photosynthesis
    Photosynthesis – Photolysis and Carbon Fixation

    Photosynthesis is the process that plants undertake to create organic materials from carbon dioxide and water, with the ..

    Darwin's Finches - Natural Selection
    Darwin and Natural Selection

    This tutorial investigates the genetic diversity in more detail. It also delineates how certain alleles are favored over..

    takahē
    Takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri)

    Meet the colorful takahē, an extremely rare flightless bird. Find out more about its unique features and why they matte..

    Disturbance on a still water
    Abiotic Factors – Water Conditions

    A still body of water may be disturbed by a variety of factors. One of them is wind. In fact, it is considered as the pr..

    Selective Breeding
    Selective Breeding

    Gregor Mendel's studies into Monohybrid and Dihybrid crossing and Charles Darwin's study of evolution and natural select..

    Ecosystem Succession
    Ecosystem Succession

    If the balance of nature is left untouched, landscapes can change dramatically over time. A previous ecosystem is supers..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics