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Questions and Answers
What is the most common cause of neural tube defects (NTDs)?
Which prenatal screening method is effective for identifying pregnancies at risk for fetuses with NTDs?
What is the defining characteristic of spina bifida occulta?
What happens in a meningocele?
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What is a known genetic determinant for neural tube defects (NTDs)?
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Study Notes
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
- The most common cause of NTDs is a folate deficiency during pregnancy.
Prenatal Screening for NTDs
- Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening is an effective method for identifying pregnancies at risk for fetuses with NTDs.
Spina Bifida Occulta
- The defining characteristic of spina bifida occulta is a closed neural tube defect, where the spinal cord and nerves are normal, but the spine fails to close properly.
Meningocele
- In a meningocele, the meninges (protective membranes) surrounding the spinal cord protrude through the spinal opening.
Genetic Determinants of NTDs
- Mutations in the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene are a known genetic determinant for NTDs.
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Description
Test your knowledge on neural tube defects, the most common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system. Explore the etiology, risk factors, and potential causes of these birth defects.
