Definitions:

1. A congenital birth defect involving the spine, in which the neural tube fails to close properly, leading to a cleft or open spine. NOUN
   • Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of defects like rachischisis.
2. A rare and severe neural tube defect where the vertebrae and spinal cord remain exposed, due to failure of fusion of the spinal column during embryonic developments. NOUN
   • Rachischisis is a lethal form of spina bifida that prevents proper development of the spinal cord.

Synonyms:

• myelomeningocele
• neural tube defect
• spina bifida