Which statement best distinguishes meningomyelocele from meningocoele?

Which statement best distinguishes meningomyelocele from meningocoele?

• A. Meningomyelocele involves protrusion of meninges and spinal cord
• B. Meningocele involves meninges only
• C. Meningomyelocele involves meninges only
• D. Meningocele involves spinal cord and meninges

Answer: (A)

The important distinction is what tissues herniate through the vertebral defect. In meningomyelocele, the sac contains both the meninges and the spinal cord (and nerve roots), so neural tissue is displaced into the sac. In meningocoele, only the meninges protrude (often with CSF) and the spinal cord remains within the spinal canal. Therefore, the statement that meningomyelocele involves meninges and spinal cord best distinguishes it from meningocoele. The other descriptions either attribute the spinal cord to meningocoele or describe meningocoele incorrectly, which would not separate the two conditions. Clinically, this difference also explains why meningomyelocele typically has more pronounced neurological deficits and higher risk of associated complications.

The important distinction is what tissues herniate through the vertebral defect. In meningomyelocele, the sac contains both the meninges and the spinal cord (and nerve roots), so neural tissue is displaced into the sac. In meningocoele, only the meninges protrude (often with CSF) and the spinal cord remains within the spinal canal. Therefore, the statement that meningomyelocele involves meninges and spinal cord best distinguishes it from meningocoele. The other descriptions either attribute the spinal cord to meningocoele or describe meningocoele incorrectly, which would not separate the two conditions. Clinically, this difference also explains why meningomyelocele typically has more pronounced neurological deficits and higher risk of associated complications.