Word: Spina Bifida
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Spina bifida is a condition that occurs when a baby is born with an incomplete spine. This happens because the vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the spine, do not fully close around the spinal cord. It is a type of birth defect and is often present at birth. Some people with spina bifida have very mild symptoms, while others may have more serious issues, especially if the spinal cord is affected.
Usage Instructions: - Use "spina bifida" when discussing medical conditions related to the spine or when talking about birth defects. - It is a specific medical term, so it’s usually used in health-related contexts.
Example Sentence: - "The doctor explained that spina bifida can be diagnosed before the baby is born through a procedure called amniocentesis."
Advanced Usage: - In a medical discussion, you might say, "Children with myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida, often require surgery shortly after birth to protect the spinal cord."
Word Variants: - There are no direct variants of the term "spina bifida," but it can be described in different ways, such as "spinal defect" or "spinal malformation."
Different Meanings: - In English, "spina bifida" specifically refers to this medical condition. It does not have other meanings outside of this context.
Synonyms: - There are no exact synonyms for "spina bifida," but related terms might include "neural tube defect" or "congenital spinal defect."
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no idioms or phrasal verbs that include "spina bifida" since it is a technical medical term.
Additional Notes: - Spina bifida can vary in severity. Some individuals may lead normal lives with little to no help, while others may need ongoing medical care and support.