Neural Tube Defect
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common birth defects, occurring in approximately one in 1,000 live births in the United States. A NTD is an opening in the spinal cord or brain that occurs very early in human development. In the 3rd week of pregnancy called gastrulation, specialized cells on the dorsal side of the fetus begin to fuse and form the neural tube. When the neural tube does not close completely, an NTD develops.
Read more about Neural Tube Defect: Types of NTDs, Folic Acid Pathway, Other Causes, Detection, Prevention, Treatment
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