Myelomeningocele describes which finding?

• A. A form with only meninges protruding
• B. A form in which a portion of the spinal cord and membranes protrude through the vertebral column
• C. A brain malformation
• D. A benign skin lesion

Answer: (B)

Myelomeningocele is a neural tube defect in which both the spinal cord and the meninges herniate through a defect in the vertebral column. This description matches the scenario where a portion of the spinal cord and membranes protrude through the vertebral column. If only the meninges protruded, it would be a meningocoele, not myelomeningocele. Brain malformation or a benign skin lesion describe unrelated findings. These spinal defects often occur in the lumbar or lumbosacral area and can lead to neurological deficits below the lesion and other issues like hydrocephalus.