* * *
spina bifida in which there is protrusion through the defective vertebral arch of a cystic swelling involving the meninges (meningocele), spinal cord (myelocele), or both (meningomyelocele).
(A), Spina bifida cystica with meningocele resulting from absence of the laminae of the vertebral arch; characterized by protrusion of the meninges. (B), Spina bifida cystica with myelocele resulting from absence of the vertebral arch; characterized by myeloschisis and protrusion of the defective spinal cord. (C), Spina bifida occulta; characterized by failure of fusion of the laminae of the vertebral arch.
Medical dictionary. 2011.