Anencephaly is the most severe form of cranial neural tube defect and is characterized by an absence of cortical tissue (although the brainstem and cerebellum may be variably present) as well as an absence of the cranial vault. Anencephaly is a condition in which major portions of the brain, skull, and scalp are absent. It is the most severe and single most common prenatally detected spinal cord (neural tube) defect (Goldstein and Filly, 1988). Although the upper portions of the brain (the cerebral hemispheres) can develop in this condition, any exposed brain tissue is eventually destroyed. As a result, the brain will appear as a bloody (hemorrhagic) mass of tissue fibers. The cerebral cortex, the portion of the ... Anencephaly is a serious birth defect that affects the development of a baby's brain and skull. It is a neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs when the upper part of the neural tube does not close completely. This condition results in the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp. Anencephaly: Causes and Implications Anencephaly is a severe congenital condition characterized by the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp. This neural tube defect occurs during embryonic development, typically within the first few weeks of pregnancy. Understanding the causes, implications, and diagnostic methods of anencephaly is critical for healthcare professionals and expectant parents alike.
