Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Raphe

A raphe is a seam, , or furrow marking the line of union or fusion of two similar parts, commonly used in and to describe such structures. In anatomy, it often indicates the midline union of bilateral embryonic tissues, appearing as a crease, , or seam on organs or tissues. The term derives from rhaphe (ῥαφή), meaning "suture" or "seam." In human anatomy, prominent examples include the , a ridge extending from the through the to the genitalia, formed by the embryological fusion of the urogenital folds—in males continuing as the scrotal and penile raphes, and in females to the posterior . The is a tendinous band in the oral cavity linking the buccinator and superior pharyngeal constrictor muscles, serving as a key landmark in dental procedures due to its attachments and morphological variability. The palatine raphe is a midline ridge along the . In , the are midline structures spanning the , , and , comprising mainly neurons that project to influence , , , and . The , the largest such cluster, is central to serotonin systems and linked to disorders like and anxiety. Beyond human anatomy, raphes appear in as ridges in seeds or ovules and in diatoms as elongated slits, underscoring the term's role in describing developmental fusions across organisms. Thus, raphes highlight midline structures of developmental and functional importance in .

Etymology and Definition

Etymology

The term "raphe" originates from the word ῥαφή (rhaphḗ), meaning "seam" or "suture," derived from the verb ῥάπτειν (rháptein), "to sew" or "to stitch." This Greek root was borrowed into New Latin as raphē during the , where it began appearing in to describe linear junctions or seams in anatomical and botanical specimens. The earliest documented use of "raphe" in English scientific contexts dates to 1753, marking its entry into formal medical and texts. In contemporary English, the term is pronounced /ˈreɪfi/ (RAY-fee), reflecting a phonetic from its classical origins, while Latin renditions in historical texts exhibited variations such as closer adherence to ecclesiastical or .

General Definition

In biology and anatomy, a raphe refers to the seamlike union of the two lateral halves of a part or , often manifesting externally as a or furrow. This structure represents a line of junction between symmetrical components, commonly observed in various tissues where bilateral elements meet. For instance, it denotes a fibrous or midline feature formed by the of similar parts. Raphes typically arise from the fusion of bilateral structures during embryonic , resulting in a visible or palpable line that may appear either externally on surfaces or internally within organs. This developmental process involves the closure of midline seams, leaving a remnant that marks the site of union and can extend across connected regions. Such characteristics distinguish raphes from mere surface features, emphasizing their origin in symmetrical . Historically, the term raphe—derived from word for "seam"—entered scientific usage around as a purely descriptive label for anatomical ridges or lines of union. Over time, with advancements in embryological research, its application has shifted toward a functional understanding, highlighting raphes as indicators of developmental processes rather than isolated morphological traits. This underscores the term's role in interpreting bilateral in organismal development.

Applications in Biology

In Botany

In botany, the refers to a of extending along one side of certain ovules, linking the hilum—the attachment point to the —with the at the ovule's base. This structure forms through the fusion of the funiculus with the ovule's during development. It is characteristic of anatropous ovules, the inverted orientation most common among angiosperms, where the faces the due to 180-degree curvature. In contrast, orthotropous ovules, which remain upright without such inversion, lack a . The raphe plays a key role in seed development by channeling vascular bundles from the funiculus to the , supplying nutrients and to the and . It also provides mechanical support to the elongating and maturing . In the seed coat, or testa, the raphe persists as a subtle longitudinal , aiding overall structural during dispersal. This feature is particularly evident in families like , where the raphe appears as a prominent white line on soaked , running from the hilum toward the micropyle opposite the embryo's attachment. It is also present in Orchidaceae, supporting the vascular needs of their tiny, wind-dispersed derived from anatropous ovules. Evolutionarily, the raphe emerged as part of ovule curvature in early plants, with fossil records of complex, vascularized ovules resembling anatropous types documented from seed ferns, enhancing nutrient delivery and adaptations for seed protection and dispersal in terrestrial environments.

In Diatoms

In raphid diatoms, the raphe is defined as a longitudinal slit or canal penetrating the , the siliceous , which facilitates the of for cellular functions. This structure is characteristic of pennate diatoms within the subclass Bacillariophycidae, distinguishing them from other groups. The raphe typically consists of paired slits on the face, terminating at a central nodule—a thickened, silicified region between the proximal ends—and polar nodules at the distal ends, which anchor and direct the structure. These nodules provide structural reinforcement and are integral to the raphe's continuity across the . Raphe-bearing valves, known as raphid, contrast with araphid diatoms that lack this feature, serving as a primary morphological delimiter in diatom . Functionally, the raphe enables in benthic environments by allowing directional extrusion of adhesive from the slits, propelling the cell along substrates such as sediments or biofilms while permitting reversible attachment. This mechanism relies on interactions between the extruded material and the underlying surface, facilitating navigation and positioning in aquatic habitats. In diatom taxonomy, the presence of the raphe is a defining trait that separates raphid pennates from other clades, contributing to the diversification of over 100,000 estimated diatom species worldwide. The raphe's evolution, linked to adaptations for benthic lifestyles, dates back to the (approximately 80 million years ago), with fossil records indicating origins around this time, though molecular phylogenies suggest a potentially earlier emergence in the mid-Cretaceous; this marked a key innovation that enhanced ecological versatility. Prominent examples include genera such as and , which feature well-developed raphe systems supporting their roles in forming and maintaining aquatic biofilms through motility and substrate colonization. These genera exemplify how the raphe underpins ecological contributions in freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Human Anatomy

Anatomical Concept

In anatomy, a raphe refers to a seam-like union of the two lateral halves of an organ or tissue, typically situated along the midline, resulting from the embryonic fusion of bilateral primordia. This structure manifests as a ridge, furrow, or line marking the site of apposition where symmetrical embryonic components converge and adhere during development. The embryological origin of raphae traces to the closure of bilateral structures in early , spanning approximately weeks 4 to 12, when processes such as the of neural folds (forming the neural raphe), urethral or genital folds (contributing to the ), and palatal shelves (yielding the palatine raphe) occur. These fusions are driven by cellular migration, adhesion molecules, and programmed , establishing a continuous midline seam that persists into postnatal life. Raphae generally serve functions of structural reinforcement, providing tensile strength to fused tissues; anatomical demarcation, such as separating functional compartments within organs; and occasionally incorporating sensory or vascular elements for localized innervation or . Histologically, they consist primarily of fibrous , stratified , or interlacing muscle fibers, often with embedded bundles, and may include fibers or capillaries depending on the site. In , raphae appear across vertebrates, such as the median raphe on the of , where it aligns lingual folds for sensory and mechanical roles, and in various , including a ciliated raphe in the mantle or foot of certain mollusks aiding in or . However, detailed studies predominate in mammals, where these structures underpin midline integrity in diverse organs.

Major Examples

The is a prominent midline ridge of tissue extending from the through the to the posterior aspect of the in males or the in females, serving as a visible seam that marks the fusion line of the embryonic urogenital folds and internally separates the left and right compartments of the . This fibrous structure provides structural support to the surrounding musculature, including attachments for the bulbospongiosus and , and contributes to the integrity of the during activities such as and . The penile and scrotal raphe represent the anterior continuation of the perineal raphe, forming a linear ridge along the ventral midline of the penis and scrotum, respectively, which delineates the site of embryonic fusion and aids in the distribution of skin tension across these regions. In males, the penile raphe extends from the frenulum of the prepuce to the scrotal raphe, while the scrotal raphe runs along the midline of the scrotal sac, both serving as landmarks for surgical approaches in urogenital procedures. The palatine raphe is a midline fibrous ridge traversing the from the anteriorly to the posterior border, anchoring the and providing attachment for the transverse palatine folds while facilitating the stability of the palatal vault during mastication and speech. This structure, often subtly elevated, ends posteriorly near the junction and is continuous with the median fibrous septum that supports the palatal musculature. The pharyngeal raphe constitutes a posterior midline fibrous band in the pharyngeal wall, extending from the to the , where it serves as the primary insertion and origin point for the superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles, enabling coordinated constriction during and . This raphe integrates fibers from the constrictors on either side, forming a septum that maintains pharyngeal patency and structural alignment. The is a bilateral tendinous band of stretching from the hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate superiorly to the posterior border of the on the inferiorly, acting as a key attachment for the anteriorly and the superior pharyngeal constrictor posteriorly to support buccal and masticatory functions. Positioned in the submucosal layer of the , it reinforces the retromolar trigone region and influences the dynamics of mouth opening and closure. The median raphe of the appears as a subtle midline fibrous seam within the intrinsic lingual musculature, separating the left and right and other tongue muscles while providing a scaffold for their transverse and longitudinal fibers to interdigitate, thus contributing to the 's flexibility in and deglutition. This structure, embedded in the fibrofatty of the tongue body, ensures symmetrical movement and is evident on cross-sectional imaging as a central divider. The bulbospongiosus raphe refers to the median fibrous raphe along the ventral aspect of the bulbospongiosus muscle in the superficial perineal pouch, where bilateral muscle fibers converge to encircle the bulb of the penis in males or the vestibule in females, facilitating rhythmic compression for urethral emptying and ejaculatory propulsion. This raphe originates from the perineal body and extends anteriorly, blending with the penile raphe to form a continuous midline reinforcement in the urogenital region.

Raphe nuclei

The are a cluster of nuclei located along the midline raphe of the , extending through the , , and . Primarily composed of neurons, they project to various regions and modulate functions including , , , and . The is the largest of these, playing a key role in the system.

Teratology and Developmental Anomalies

Dysraphism

Dysraphism denotes the incomplete or defective fusion along a —a seam or ridge marking the union of embryonic structures—during early development, resulting in a spectrum of congenital anomalies. The term originates from prefix "" (indicating bad or abnormal) combined with "rhaphē" (suture or seam), emphasizing the pathological failure in midline closure processes. This condition primarily affects midline structures, leading to defects that can involve neural, cutaneous, or other tissues, and it underscores disruptions in the precise embryogenetic fusion that normally forms the raphe. The mechanisms underlying dysraphism are multifactorial, involving genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors that impair key developmental stages such as closure around the third and fourth weeks of . Disruptions in cell migration, which contributes to midline structure formation, play a central role, often compounded by defects in ; for instance, polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene reduce the enzyme's efficiency in converting to its active form, elevating levels and hindering essential for during . Environmental influences, such as maternal exposure to valproic acid—an that interferes with closure—can increase risk by up to tenfold, highlighting the interplay between teratogenic agents and underlying vulnerabilities. Overall, these processes reflect a failure in the coordinated fusion of bilateral embryonic halves, contrasting with the seamless raphe development seen in typical embryogenesis. Dysraphism is broadly classified into open and closed forms based on the presence of exposed neural elements, as well as neural versus non-neural categories depending on the affected system. Open dysraphism involves direct exposure of neural tissue to the external environment, often without adequate skin covering, as exemplified by myelomeningocele where the and protrude through a vertebral defect. In contrast, closed dysraphism features intact overlying skin that conceals underlying anomalies, such as intraspinal lipomas or dermal sinuses, potentially leading to over time. Neural dysraphisms predominantly affect the , while non-neural variants involve other midline fusions, including urogenital structures like the urethral raphe in conditions such as , where incomplete closure of urethral folds results in an abnormally positioned . This classification aids in prognostic assessment, with open forms generally carrying higher risks of neurological impairment due to leakage and . Globally, dysraphism and related neural tube defects occur in approximately 1 to 3 per 1,000 live births, though prevalence varies regionally and has declined with folic acid fortification programs. Rates are notably higher—up to 10-fold—in areas with inadequate maternal folate intake or nutritional deficiencies, underscoring the protective role of periconceptional folic acid supplementation in mitigating folate-sensitive mechanisms. Diagnosis of dysraphism relies on prenatal screening to enable early intervention, primarily through maternal serum () testing, which detects elevated levels indicative of open neural defects due to leakage into . Targeted examinations, typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, visualize structural anomalies like vertebral arch defects or sac-like protrusions, confirming the diagnosis with high sensitivity. For cases with suspected genetic underpinnings, such as MTHFR variants or syndromic associations (e.g., Meckel-Gruber syndrome), or facilitates molecular testing to identify chromosomal abnormalities or specific mutations. Postnatal imaging, including MRI, further delineates closed forms, but prenatal approaches remain crucial for counseling and planning.

Specific Malformations

Neural tube dysraphism encompasses a spectrum of malformations arising from incomplete closure along the dorsal midline raphe during embryogenesis, with spina bifida occulta representing the mildest form characterized by a vertebral arch defect without protrusion of neural elements or meninges. This condition often remains asymptomatic, though subtle signs such as a tuft of hair, dermal sinus, or subcutaneous lipoma may overlie the affected site, potentially leading to later tethered cord syndrome if untreated. In contrast, myelomeningocele is a severe open defect where the unfused neural placode and meninges herniate through the spinal defect, commonly in the lumbosacral region, resulting in risks of lower limb paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and hydrocephalus due to associated Chiari II malformation. Urogenital raphe defects involve disruptions in the midline fusion of the urethral folds, manifesting as , where the urethral opens proximally along the ventral rather than at the tip, affecting approximately 1 in 250 male births and often accompanied by or hooded . presents as a urethral opening defect, typically less common than hypospadias and part of the exstrophy-epispadias complex, leading to and genital malformation. Scrotal raphe is a rare anomaly involving absence of the midline scrotal seam, frequently associated with caudal dysplasia syndromes and other urogenital anomalies like penile or . Other raphe-related malformations include cleft palate, resulting from failure of the palatine shelves to fuse along the midline raphe, which can occur in isolation or combined with cleft lip, leading to feeding difficulties, speech impediments, and ear infections. Anorectal malformations, such as , arise from disruption due to incomplete urorectal septum , often presenting with absent anal opening and associated fistulas, requiring immediate evaluation for bowel continuity. Treatment for these malformations primarily involves surgical repair to restore function and prevent complications; for instance, for myelomeningocele, pioneered in the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) trial from the early 2010s, closes the defect to mitigate herniation and improve motor outcomes. Postnatal repairs for urogenital and anorectal defects utilize techniques like for or posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for . Periconceptional folic acid supplementation (400 μg daily) serves as prophylaxis, reducing risk by up to 70%. Prognosis varies by malformation severity and intervention timing; early surgical correction in myelomeningocele enhances mobility and continence rates, with many children achieving independent ambulation, though long-term challenges like Chiari malformation-related persist in up to 80% of cases without prenatal repair. For , successful repair yields good cosmetic and functional results in over 90% of cases, while anorectal anomalies benefit from multidisciplinary care to optimize bowel control.

References

  1. [1]
    raphe | Taber's Medical Dictionary
    A line or ridge in the median line of the palate. The raphe appears as a whitish line, which sometimes turns into a slight groove at its posterior end.Missing: definition anatomy
  2. [2]
    Perineal raphe: Anatomy and structure - Kenhub
    Mar 7, 2024 · The perineal raphe comprises a ridge of tissue on the human body that extends from the anus to the perineum.<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    The pterygomandibular raphe: a comprehensive review - PMC - NIH
    Mar 31, 2024 · The pterygomandibular raphe (PMR) is a tendinous structure connecting the bucinator and the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscles.
  4. [4]
    Neuroanatomy, Nucleus Raphe - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
    The raphe nuclei are positioned midline in the brainstem throughout the midbrain, pons, and medulla. These nuclei contain primarily serotonergic neurons, ...
  5. [5]
    Raphe - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
    Originating from Greek rhaphē meaning "seam, suture," this anatomical term denotes the seam-like suture joining two lateral halves.
  6. [6]
    RAPHE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
    The meaning of RAPHE is the seamlike union of the two lateral halves of a part or organ (such as the tongue) having externally a ridge or furrow.
  7. [7]
    raphe - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
    Etymology. Borrowed from New Latin raphē, from Ancient Greek ῥᾰφή (rhăphḗ, “seam; suture”). ... Terms of Use · Desktop.English · Noun · Latin
  8. [8]
    raphe, n.² meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary
    raphe is of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from Greek. Etymons: Latin raphe; Greek ῥαϕή. See etymology. Nearby entries.
  9. [9]
  10. [10]
    RAPHE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
    RAPHE meaning: 1. a place or line where two halves of an organ in the body join 2. a place or line where two…. Learn more.
  11. [11]
    Terminology of Molecular Biology for Abdominal raphe - GenScript
    The abdominal raphe is of clinical significance in surgical procedures and medical examinations. Surgeons may use the raphe as a reference point for ...Missing: embryological | Show results with:embryological
  12. [12]
    Perineal raphe with special reference to its extension to the anus - NIH
    Jun 24, 2016 · The raphe of the human penis and scrotum is considered to develop secondarily after disappearance of the initial midline seam by fusion of the ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  13. [13]
    Median raphe - Oxford Reference
    In males it extends further up the scrotum and penis. It represents a fusion line from embryological development and may be the site of cysts and other harmless ...
  14. [14]
    Angiosperm ovules: diversity, development, evolution
    Curved ovules have a raphe, a sometimes conspicuous area through which the vascular bundle runs from the funiculus to the chalaza. It is not useful to describe ...BASIC DIVERSITY OF... · EVOLUTIONARY ORIGIN OF... · DEVELOPMENT OF...
  15. [15]
    Lecture 25 - Seeds - Daniel L. Nickrent
    Oct 14, 2022 · 2. Raphe. For anatropous ovules, the funiculus is adnate to the integument. Upon forming a seed, a ridge remains called the raphe.
  16. [16]
    [PDF] Seeds and Fruits - PLB Lab Websites
    In this chapter we will discuss the structure and development of seeds and fruits and their adaptations for dispersal. The Seed Is a Mature Ovule. The seed ...
  17. [17]
    [PDF] 7 Seed Development and Structure - CABI Digital Library
    The raphe is the zone where the funiculus is partly or entirely fused to the ovule (Werker, 1997) and sometimes appears as a raised ridge (Fahn, 1982) or ...
  18. [18]
    Evolution and patterning of the ovule in seed plants - Rudall - 2021
    Jan 11, 2021 · Most inferences on the early evolution of the ovule are drawn from Late Devonian and Carboniferous seed-fern fossils that are anatomically ...
  19. [19]
    Origin and Evolution of the Canal Raphe System in Diatoms
    One lineage of pennate diatoms has a slit through the siliceous cell wall, called a “raphe,” that functions in motility. Raphid pennate diatoms number in ...
  20. [20]
    Raphe | Glossary - Diatoms of North America
    A raphe is an opening, or slit, in the silica cell wall of raphid diatoms. The raphe system includes the slit and the mucilaginous material that is secreted ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  21. [21]
    Central nodule | Glossary - Diatoms of North America
    A central nodule is the thickly silicified area located between the proximal raphe ends in raphid diatoms. It is often thickened in both valve and girdle views.
  22. [22]
    Gliding motility of the diatom Craspedostauros australis coincides ...
    Sep 23, 2024 · The raphe is an evolutionary adaption that allows diatoms to colonize and move on submerged surfaces, such as rocks, sand, animals, and other ...
  23. [23]
    Functional morphology of gliding motility in benthic diatoms - PNAS
    Within diatoms, evolution of the raphe and gliding motility was highly consequential for species diversification (43). Although the raphe places fundamental ...
  24. [24]
    Diatom Biodiversity and Speciation Revealed by Comparative ...
    Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) constitute one of the most diverse and ecologically significant groups of phytoplankton, comprising 100,000–200,000 species in three ...Missing: raphid | Show results with:raphid
  25. [25]
    Pinnularia | Genera - Diatoms of North America
    Displaying 65 of 65 species ; Pinnularia marchica Length: 11-20 Width: 4-5 ; Pinnularia lagerstedtii Length: 11-26 Width: 5-6 ; Pinnularia pluvianiformis Length: ...Missing: Navicula | Show results with:Navicula
  26. [26]
    Pinnularia - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
    The pennate diatom has a slit, called a raphe, between the valves. The raphe exudes cytoplasmically produced slime in which the diatom glides. The centric ...
  27. [27]
    Raphe (anatomy) - Primary Care Notebook
    Jan 1, 2018 · A raphe is a seam in tissue or organ between two separate parts, often forming fused ends of two flat muscle sheets.<|control11|><|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Embryology, Sexual Development - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
    Aug 28, 2023 · Later in development, the fusion site is demarcated by the scrotal raphe. A solid epithelial, or urethral, plate forms on the ventral surface ...
  29. [29]
    Raphe of the posterior neural tube in the chick embryo - PubMed
    The raphe was subsequently studied in detail. It appeared very irregular, with small zones of apposed, open and fused neural folds. During closure, these raphe ...
  30. [30]
    Anococcygeal Raphe Revisited: A Histological Study Using Mid ...
    The concept of the anococcygeal raphe needs to be re-examined from the perspective of fetal development, as well as in terms of adult morphology.
  31. [31]
    Morphological characteristics of the blackspot seabream (Pagellus ...
    These folds were apparent on both sides of the tongue. They showed a latero‐medial orientation and aboral inclination that converged on a median raphe (Figure ...
  32. [32]
    than just slimy slugs. Shell reduction and its implications on defence ...
    Note the ciliated raphe (arrow). C Clione limacina (Phipps, 1774) (Pteropoda, Gymnosomata), large single cellular glands (arrows). D Haminoea antillarum (d ...
  33. [33]
    Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Perineal Body - StatPearls - NCBI
    Dec 11, 2024 · The muscular bundles originate from this raphe and the perineal body, continuing contralaterally to integrate with the transverse muscle and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  34. [34]
    Raphe of penis - e-Anatomy - IMAIOS
    The raphe of penis is the continuation of the raphe of the scrotum, forming a seam on the skin of the underside of the penis.
  35. [35]
    Palatine raphe - e-Anatomy - IMAIOS
    Along the middle line of the hard palate is a linear raphæ, the palatine raphe, which ends anteriorly in a small papilla corresponding with the incisive canal.
  36. [36]
    Mouth Anatomy - Medscape Reference
    Dec 9, 2024 · The secondary palate presents a midline elevated suture line termed the median or palatine raphe. The hard palate also has transverse ridges ...
  37. [37]
    Anatomy, Head and Neck: Pharyngeal Muscles - StatPearls - NCBI
    Understanding pharyngeal anatomy ... The middle constrictor also inserts onto the median pharyngeal raphe, blending with superior and inferior constrictor fibers.
  38. [38]
    Pharyngeal raphe - e-Anatomy - IMAIOS
    The Pharyngeal raphe is a raphe that serves as the origin and insertion for several of the pharyngeal constrictors.
  39. [39]
    Pterygomandibular raphe: Anatomy, structure and function - Kenhub
    Mar 20, 2024 · Definition, The pterygomandibular raphe is a tendinous band extending from the medial pterygoid plate to the mandible. Learn more about the ...Missing: embryological | Show results with:embryological
  40. [40]
    Anatomy, Head and Neck, Tongue - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
    Aug 21, 2023 · The epiglottis and epiglottic region of the tongue develop from the third median swelling, which arises from the posterior fourth pharyngeal ...
  41. [41]
    Development and growth of median structures in the human tongue ...
    Mar 20, 2023 · Other than in the tongue, a midline raphe or septum is also known to be present in the mylohyoideus, constrictor pharynges, and bulbospongiosus ...
  42. [42]
    Bulbospongiosus muscle - e-Anatomy - IMAIOS
    Origin: Median raphé. Artery: Perineal artery. Nerve: Pudendal nerve. Action: In males, empties the urethra; in females, clenches the vagina. Description:
  43. [43]
    Bulbospongiosus Muscle | Complete Anatomy - Elsevier
    In males, the bulbospongiosus muscle originates from the perineal body and a median raphe found along the ventral aspect of the penis. Insertion. In females ...
  44. [44]
    Spinal dysraphisms: highlighting discrepancies in the current ... - NIH
    The basis of the word 'dysraphism' is 'raphe' which in biology strictly is 'a groove, ridge or seam in an organ or tissue, typically marking the line where ...
  45. [45]
    Neuroscience Glossary | Neurology | Washington University in St ...
    dysraphism defective closure of a raphe, particularly the neural tube. dyssomnia disorder in which the main complaint is about inadequate or unrefreshing sleep ...
  46. [46]
    Spina Bifida: A Review of the Genetics, Pathophysiology and ...
    Jun 6, 2022 · Christensen et al. found that MTHFR polymorphism and low folate status combined is associated with a greater risk for NTDs than either variable ...
  47. [47]
    Neural tube defects – recent advances, unsolved questions and ...
    Of particular clinical significance is valproic acid (VPA), an anticonvulsant that increases risk of spinal NTDs by approximately 10-fold when taken during ...
  48. [48]
    Spinal Dysraphisms: A New Anatomical–Clinicoradiological ...
    Myelomeningocele and Myelocele: These are classified under open dysraphisms. The most common type of open spinal dysraphism is myelomeningocele ( Fig. 9 ). The ...
  49. [49]
    Imaging spectrum of spinal dysraphism on magnetic resonance
    On the basis of presence or absence of overlying skin covering, spinal dysraphism is divided into open and closed types[10-12] (Table 1). In OSD overlying skin ...
  50. [50]
    Hypospadias - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
    It is characterized by abnormal development of the urethral fold and the ventral foreskin of the penis that causes abnormal positioning of the urethral opening.
  51. [51]
    4.2e Spina Bifida (Q05.0–Q05.9) - CDC Archive
    Nov 25, 2020 · Open (not skin covered but often membrane covered) versus closed (skin covered) spina bifida – important for neurological disability. Lesion ...
  52. [52]
    Spinal dysraphism - PMC - PubMed Central - NIH
    Spinal dysraphism involves a spectrum of congenital anomalies resulting in a defective neural arch through which meninges or neural elements are herniated.Missing: non- | Show results with:non-
  53. [53]
    Prenatal screening for neural tube defects: from maternal serum ...
    During pregnancy, women should be offered screening tests to confirm fetal chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and fetal neural tube defects (NTDs).
  54. [54]
    Prenatal diagnosis and assessment of congenital spinal anomalies
    Prenatal findings: Myelomeningocele is often first suspected when routine screening during pregnancy reveals elevated levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein ...
  55. [55]
    Role of Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein and Ultrasonography in ...
    Objective: Midtrimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and sonographic evaluation have been used to screen for spina bifida.Missing: ultrasound genetic testing
  56. [56]
    Spina Bifida - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
    Spina bifida aperta, also known as open spinal dysraphism, refers to a defect in which neural tissue is exposed and communicates with the external environment, ...Missing: mechanisms | Show results with:mechanisms
  57. [57]
    Spinal Dysraphism (Neural Tube Defect) and Myelomeningocele ...
    Jan 6, 2022 · Spinal dysraphism consists of congenital malformations caused by maldevelopment of ectodermal, mesodermal, and neuroectodermal tissues and ...Magnetic Resonance Imaging · Ultrasonography · Anterior Sacral MeningoceleMissing: raphe | Show results with:raphe<|control11|><|separator|>
  58. [58]
    Epispadias - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
    Apr 21, 2024 · Epispadias is a rare congenital anomaly in which the urethra opens onto the dorsal aspect of the penis in boys and is often displaced anteriorly in girls.Missing: raphe | Show results with:raphe
  59. [59]
    Agenesis of the penis, scrotal raphe, and anus in one of ... - PubMed
    They result from damage to multiple germ layers at a very early stage of development and vary in severity depending on the timing and degree of insult incurred.Missing: dysplasia | Show results with:dysplasia
  60. [60]
    Development of Normal and Cleft Palate: A Central Role for ...
    Jul 19, 2018 · Cleft palate results from failed midline fusion of the paired palatine shelves. Embryologic errors of formation leading to cleft palate ...
  61. [61]
    Anorectal malformations - PMC - PubMed Central - NIH
    Perineal fistulas in both male and female have traditionally been called "low" defects. In these cases the rectum opens in a small orifice, usually stenotic and ...
  62. [62]
  63. [63]
    Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects ... - NCBI
    High levels of folic acid supplementation (4 mg) have been found to reduce the risk of recurrent NTDs by more than 70 percent, and even more modest levels of ...
  64. [64]
    Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida: Past, Present, Future - PMC
    Fetal surgery for MMC before 26 weeks' gestation may preserve neurologic function, reverse the hindbrain herniation of the Chiari II malformation.
  65. [65]
    Hypospadias: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    Oct 4, 2023 · Hypospadias is an abnormality of anterior urethral and penile development. The urethral opening is ectopically located on the ventral aspect of the penis.