spina bifida

any developmental anomaly in which the vertebral canal fails to close normally around the spinal cord; it is a neural tube defect. Individuals with spina bifida have difficulty with sensation, ambulation, and bowel and bladder control; experience weakness or paralysis of the muscles of the legs or feet; and are susceptible to infection. Meningomyelocele is the most common form of spina bifida.

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Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

tonic contraction

the sustained contraction of different groups of fibers within a muscle to maintain continual muscular tension (tonus).