N54

FOETUS - Neural tube defect

Description
A foetus, approximately 7.5 cm. in length from crown to rump, showing a gross neural tube defect, with an encephaly and bifid spine extending the full length. The mother of this foetus had a raised alpha foeto-protein level, one living child with spina bifida and a history of a previous termination of pregnancy with a high alpha foeto-protein, and the delivery of a foetus similar to the one displayed here.