What condition occurs when the neural tube fails to close completely during the first month of gestational development?

The condition that occurs when the neural tube fails to close completely during the first month of gestational development is referred to as a neural tube defect. This term broadly describes various congenital malformations resulting from this closure failure, which can lead to several specific conditions, including spina bifida and encephalocele.

Neural tube defects can manifest in different forms depending on how and where the closure fails. Spina bifida, a specific type of neural tube defect, involves the spine not closing properly, leading to varying degrees of disability. Encephalocele is another specific condition where part of the brain protrudes through an opening in the skull due to the neural tube's incomplete closure.

Understanding the term "neural tube defect" is crucial as it encompasses all the related specific conditions caused by this developmental failure, highlighting the importance of early prenatal care and prevention strategies to reduce risks associated with these defects.