Ace the NRCMA 2025 – Get Ready to Rock Your Medical Assistant Skills!

Question: 1 / 400

What congenital defect consists of the absence of a vertebral arch of the spinal column?

Cataracts

Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a congenital defect that occurs when the vertebral arch of the spinal column fails to form properly before birth. This condition causes a range of symptoms, including paralysis, deformity, and hydrocephalus (buildup of fluid in the brain). The other options, including cataracts, meningitis, and osteoporosis, are not associated with the absence of a vertebral arch of the spinal column and are therefore incorrect. Cataracts are an age-related eye condition, meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. While all of these conditions can occur at any age, they are not typically classified as congenital defects.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Meningitis

Osteoporosis

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy