In which region of the spine is spina bifida most commonly located?

In which region of the spine is spina bifida most commonly located?

• A. Cervical region
• B. Thoracic region
• C. Lumbar region
• D. Sacral region

Answer: (C)

Spina bifida tends to occur in the lower part of the spine, reflecting where neural tube closure is most vulnerable during development. The caudal end closes later, so defects here commonly affect the lumbar region, with the lumbosacral area being the classic location. Among the options, the lumbar region best represents where these defects most frequently arise in the lower back, while the cervical and thoracic regions are much less commonly involved. Sacral involvement can occur, but the lumbar region is the most typical single-site location given these choices.

Spina bifida tends to occur in the lower part of the spine, reflecting where neural tube closure is most vulnerable during development. The caudal end closes later, so defects here commonly affect the lumbar region, with the lumbosacral area being the classic location. Among the options, the lumbar region best represents where these defects most frequently arise in the lower back, while the cervical and thoracic regions are much less commonly involved. Sacral involvement can occur, but the lumbar region is the most typical single-site location given these choices.