In adults, the spinal cord normally ends at

002. In adults, the spinal cord normally ends at:

1. Lower border of L1.

2. Lower border of L3.

3. Lower border of S1.

4. Lower border of L5.

Answer

1. Lower border of L1

Reference

Gray 38^th Edition Page 975

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Discussion

The spinal cord is an elongated, approximately cylindrical part of the CNS, occupying the superior two-thirds of the vertebral canal. Its average length in European males is 45 cm, its weight about 30 g.

Explanation

It extends from the upper border of the atlas to the junction between the first and second lumbar vertebrae, the lower level varying, with some correlation with length of trunk, especially in females

Comments

The termination may be as high as the caudal third of the twelfth thoracic vertebra or as low as the disc between the second and third lumbar vertebra; its position rises slightly in vertebral flexion.

Tips

By 2 months postnatally the conus medullaris has usually reached its permanent position at the level of the body of the first lumbar vertebra (L1)