Definition

Spina Bifida is a fault in the spinal column in which one or more veterbrae (the bones which form the the backbone) fail to form properly, leaving a gap or split, causing damage to the nervous system. To help understand Spina Bifida in detail it is necessary to know the composition of the nervous system.

The Central Nervous System

The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. All activities are controlled by the brain which receives information from touching, seeing, feeling, tasting and hearing.The brain responds to this information by initiating the appropriate movements of different parts of the body. Messages from the brain are carried to different parts of the body by the spinal cord which runs down the centre of the spinal column. This communication system for the body is very important and needs protection.

The Spine

The spine is made up of 33 bones or vertebrae. The vertebrae have two main functions. One is to provide anchorage for muscles so that we can move as we dictate to those muscles. The other is to provide protection to the spinal cord

What is Spina Bifida ?

The central nervous system and spine develop between the 14th and 28th day after conception. Spina Bifida occurs when there is a failure of development of the boney canal which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. In the spine, the affected vertebrae have a defect at the back and the boney ring does not completely surround the spinal cord. This leaves a gap so that, instead of the posterior arm being whole it is divided - that is bifida. The fault may occur in one or more of the vertebrae but it is most common around waist-level.