Spina Bifida with Myelomeningocele

The correct answer is E.


Explanation:

The condition described is spinal bifida with myelomeningocele. A failure of the posteriorly located vertebral arches to fuse posteriorly causes spina bifida, which can vary in severity from a completely asymptomatic minor abnormality to protrusion of the spinal cord and roots through an open skin defect, with a very real risk of minor trauma or infection causing paralysis.
Failure of development of one of the paired primary ossification centers (choice A) of the body can produce very severe scoliosis.

The bodies of the vertebrae (choice B) are the stacking ovoid structures on the anterior aspect of the spinal canal.

The pedicles (choice C) attach the body ring that surrounds the spinal canal to the body of the vertebrae.

The superior articular process (choice D) articulates with the inferior articular facet of the vertebra above it.

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