Final answer:
The lumbar puncture is performed in the lower lumbar area of the vertebral column because the spinal cord ends above this region. This ensures that the procedure is safe and does not damage the spinal cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lumbar puncture is performed in the lower lumbar area of the vertebral column because the spinal cord ends above this region. Since the spinal cord does not extend through the lower lumbar area, inserting a needle through the dura and arachnoid layers in this location allows for the withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without risking damage to the spinal cord.