Cleft spinal cord resulting from failure of the neural folds to close normally in the formation of the neural tube; inevitably spina bifida is a sequel. [myelo- + G. schisis, a cleaving]
* * *
my·elos·chi·sis (mi″ə-losґkĭ-sis) [myelo- + -schisis] a developmental anomaly characterized by a cleft spinal cord, owing to failure of the neural plate to fuse and form a complete neural tube, or to rupture of the neural tube after closure. Cf. diastematomyelia and spina bifida.Medical dictionary. 2011.