Where does the spinal cord end in the vertebral column?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the anatomical location where the spinal cord terminates within the vertebral column. It offers multiple-choice answers that pertain to different structures associated with the spinal cord.
Answer
The spinal cord ends between the end of the first lumbar vertebra and the top of the second lumbar vertebra.
The spinal cord ends between the end of the first lumbar vertebra and the top of the second lumbar vertebra.
Answer for screen readers
The spinal cord ends between the end of the first lumbar vertebra and the top of the second lumbar vertebra.
More Information
The termination of the spinal cord is called the conus medullaris, which transitions to the cauda equina, a nerve bundle that extends down through the remaining vertebral canal.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume the spinal cord extends the entire length of the vertebral column. It actually ends in the lumbar region, often mistaken for extending further down.
Sources
- Anatomy of the Spinal Cord - Stanford Medicine Children's Health - stanfordchildrens.org
- Spinal Cord and Nerve Roots - University of Maryland Medical System - umms.org
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