Embryology: neural tube: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Embryology: neural tube

Sample item

Failure of closure of the caudal neuropore most directly produces which defect?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Spina bifida

The cranial neuropore closes near day 25 and its failure causes anencephaly; the caudal neuropore closes near day 27 and failure produces spina bifida. Folate supplementation reduces neural-tube-defect risk.

Option by option

  • A. Tracheo-oesophageal fistula

    Tracheo-oesophageal fistula results from abnormal foregut partitioning.

  • B. Cleft lip

    Cleft lip results from failed fusion of facial prominences.

  • C. Anencephaly

    Anencephaly follows failure of cranial neuropore closure.

  • D. Spina bifida (correct)

    Correct. Caudal neuropore failure produces spinal neural-tube defects.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, Spina bifida. The cranial neuropore closes near day 25 and its failure causes anencephaly; the caudal neuropore closes near day 27 and failure produces spina bifida.

Why is "Tracheo-oesophageal fistula" not the answer?

Tracheo-oesophageal fistula results from abnormal foregut partitioning.

Why is "Cleft lip" not the answer?

Cleft lip results from failed fusion of facial prominences.

Why is "Anencephaly" not the answer?

Anencephaly follows failure of cranial neuropore closure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology: neural tube in Anatomy. Folate supplementation reduces neural-tube-defect risk.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Embryology: neural tube?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.