At what vertebral level does the spinal cord end in adults?

At what vertebral level does the spinal cord end in adults?

• A. L2
• B. L1
• C. L3
• D. T12

Answer: (B)

In adults, the spinal cord terminates at the conus medullaris near the L1 vertebral level. This is because the vertebral column grows longer than the spinal cord as we develop, so the end of the cord sits higher than the corresponding vertebral level would suggest. Below that point, the nerve roots descend as the cauda equina to reach their exits, which is why the actual segments don’t line up with the lower vertebrae. Clinically, this is why the end of the cord is typically referenced as around L1-L2, with L1 often cited as the end in adults. In newborns the end is lower, around L3-L4, reflecting later growth of the vertebral column.

In adults, the spinal cord terminates at the conus medullaris near the L1 vertebral level. This is because the vertebral column grows longer than the spinal cord as we develop, so the end of the cord sits higher than the corresponding vertebral level would suggest. Below that point, the nerve roots descend as the cauda equina to reach their exits, which is why the actual segments don’t line up with the lower vertebrae. Clinically, this is why the end of the cord is typically referenced as around L1-L2, with L1 often cited as the end in adults. In newborns the end is lower, around L3-L4, reflecting later growth of the vertebral column.