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Anencephaly
Anencephaly is the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp that occurs during embryonic development. It is a cephalic disorder that results from a neural tube defect that occurs when the head end of the neural tube fails to close, usually between the 23rd and 26th day of intrauterine life. Children born with this disorder usually only lack the telencephalon, the largest part of the brain consisting mainly of the cerebral hemispheres, including the neocortex, which is responsible for cognition. The remaining structure is usually covered only by a thin layer of membrane—skin, bone, meninges, etc. are all lacking. With very few exceptions, infants with this disorder do not survive longer than a few hours or possibly days after their birth.
A baby born with anencephaly is usually blind, deaf, unaware of its surroundings and unable to feel pain. Although some individuals with anencephaly may be born with a main brain stem, the lack of a functioning cerebrum permanently rules out the possibility of ever gaining awareness of their surroundings. Reflex actions such as breathing and responses to sound or touch may occur.
Folic acid has been shown to be important in neural tube formation and as a subtype of neural tube defect, folic acid may play a role in anencephaly.
Scalp:
The soft tissue covering the cranial vault is called the scalp.
Neural tube defect:
Neural tube defects are severe birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. They are caused by a combination of multiple genes and multiple environmental factors. Known environmental factors include folic acid, maternal insulin dependent diabetes, and maternal use of certain anticonvulsant (antiseizure) medications
Neural tube:
The neural tube is the embryonic precursor of the central nervous system, i.e., brain and spinal cord.
Telencephalon:
The telencephalon is the most highly developed and anterior part of the forebrain, consisting chiefly of the cerebral hemispheres
Neocortex:
The neocortex, also called the neopallium, isocortex, or the six-layered cortex, is a set of layers of the cerebral cortex. It is involved in higher-order brain functions such as sensory perception, cognition, generation of motor commands, spatial reasoning and language
Cognition:
Cognition is a term referring to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension. The cognitive process includes thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving. These are higher-level functions of the brain and encompass language, imagination, perception, and planning.
Meninges:
The coverings of the brain and spinal cord is called the meninges. It is made up of three layers: duramater, arachnoid mater and piamater.
Infant:
The infant is the stage of development from a new born baby to one-year of age.
Brain stem:
The brainstem is the distal part of the brain that is made up of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. Each of the three components has its own unique structure and function. Together, they help to regulate breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and several other important functions.
Folic acid:
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is a naturally occurring B vitamin. Folate helps to make DNA and other genetic material. It plays an important in prenatal growth and development.
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