Meningomyeloceles is a medical term that refers to a congenital disorder in which the spinal cord and membranes protrude through a gap in the vertebral column. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription as /mɪˌnɪŋɡoʊmaɪəloʊˈsiːlz/. The first syllable "meningo" refers to the meninges, which are the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. "Myelo" refers to the spinal cord, and "celes" indicates a herniation or protrusion. Together, the word describes a condition in which the membranes and spinal cord protrude through a gap in the vertebrae.
Meningomyeloceles are a type of neural tube defect characterized by a protrusion of the spinal cord and the covering layers of the spinal canal through an opening in the vertebrae. This condition occurs during fetal development when the neural tube, which forms the spine and central nervous system, fails to close properly. The opening in the spine allows the spinal cord and its protective membranes, the meninges, to bulge out, resulting in the formation of a cyst-like sac filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Meningomyeloceles are usually present at birth and are often visible as a lump or sac on the back, commonly in the lower back region. The severity of the condition can vary greatly, as it can affect different parts of the spinal column. Consequently, individuals with meningomyeloceles may experience a range of symptoms, including partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, urinary and bowel dysfunction, and problems with bone and joint development.
Treatment for meningomyeloceles typically involves surgery to close the opening in the spine and reposition the protruding neural tissue. The timing of the surgery depends on several factors, including the size and location of the defect and the overall health of the patient. In addition to surgical intervention, ongoing medical care and therapies, such as physical and occupational therapy, are often necessary to manage the associated complications and promote optimal functioning and quality of life for individuals with meningomyeloceles.
The term "meningomyeloceles" is a medical term used to describe a type of birth defect known as a neural tube defect. It combines three main components: "meningo-", "myelo-", and "-celes".
1. "Meningo-" comes from the Greek word "meninx", which means "meninges". Meninges are the three protective membranes that cover and surround the brain and spinal cord.
2. "Myelo-" comes from the Greek word "myelos", which means "marrow" or "spinal cord". In medical terminology, it often refers to the spinal cord.
3. "-Celes" is the suffix used to indicate a cavity or abnormal sac-like structure in medical terms.