See meningocœleThis is a sac-like expansion of the membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord. It is an abnormality of normal development that is usually evident at birth and surgical correction is usually carried out. It is associated with abnormal development of the bones of the spinal canal, referred to as spina bifida. If there are neural elements inside the meningocœle then the term myelomeningocœle is used..