The term meningocele means?

ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (shift-1)

Applied Anatomy

Easy

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (shift-1)

Explanation

Meningocele is a neural tube defect where the meninges (the protective membranes covering the central nervous system) herniate through a defect in the vertebral arches.
The resulting sac contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but does not contain the spinal cord or nerve roots, which remain in their normal position within the spinal canal.
Because the spinal cord is not displaced, neurological function is often normal or only minimally affected.

Option B: This option describes myelomeningocele, a more severe form of spina bifida.
Option C: This describes a very rare and severe condition called myelocele or myeloschisis, not meningocele.
Option D: This statement is too vague and non-specific. While a meningocele involves a CSF-filled cyst, it doesn't capture the essential feature of meningeal protrusion.

Visual 1: Diagram - A comparative illustration showing the anatomical differences between spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. This helps to visually differentiate the location of the spinal cord in each condition.
Visual 2: MRI Image - A sagittal MRI of the lumbosacral spine showing a meningocele, highlighting the sac containing CSF and the normally positioned spinal cord.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of meningocele and differentiation from other neural tube defects as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Immediate nursing care for a newborn with a meningocele focuses on protecting the sac from rupture and infection. The nurse should place the infant in a prone position and cover the sac with a sterile, moist, non-adherent dressing.
Nurses must monitor for signs of hydrocephalus (e.g., increasing head circumference, bulging fontanels) as it can be an associated complication.
What if the sac contained neural tissue? If the sac also contained the spinal cord (myelomeningocele), the priority would shift to preserving neurological function, and the prognosis would be more severe, with a high likelihood of paralysis and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the medical term 'meningocele'. 'Meningo-' refers to the meninges (membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), and '-cele' refers to a swelling or hernia.
Based on this, you can infer that the condition involves a protrusion of the meninges.
Next, recall the different types of spina bifida. Spina bifida occulta is a hidden defect. Meningocele involves only the meninges. Myelomeningocele involves both the meninges and the spinal cord ('myelo-').
Evaluate the options based on this understanding. The option describing only the protrusion of the meninges is the correct definition for meningocele.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definition of meningocele and differentiation from other neural tube defects.
Stem keywords: meningocele, term, means
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE

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