Evidence for normal cum accessory neurenteric canals in a human fetus

Multiple anomalies, including a vertebral cleft in the cervicothoracic region containing the posterior pharyngeal diverticulum, and duplication of the lower lumbar spine with absence of sacrum and coccyx, are described in a stillborn anencephalic female monster. It is postulated that vertebral division at two levels is evidence of two neurenteric canals, a caudal normal canal and a cranial accessory one. This supports the 'accessory neurenteric canal' theory for vertebral divisions in the cervicothoracic regions. Other associated defects, such as exomphalos, ectopia vesicae and craniorhachischisis, are correlated with the presence of a single umbilical artery.