Question

In adults, where does the spinal cord end?

1) At the lower border of the L1 vertebra
2) At the lower border of the L2 vertebra
3) At the upper border of the L1 vertebra
4) At the upper border of the L2 vertebra

Answer 1

In adults, the spinal cord ends at the lower border of the L1 vertebra. The spinal cord is surrounded and protected by the vertebral column. The spinal nerves pass through the intervertebral foramina and extend to the proper level of the vertebral column.

Step-by-step explanation:

In adults, the spinal cord ends at the lower border of the L1 vertebra. The spinal cord is surrounded and protected by the vertebral column, which is made up of 24 vertebrae in addition to the sacrum and coccyx bones. The spinal nerves pass through the intervertebral foramina at their respective levels and extend to the proper level of the vertebral column. The spinal cord does not grow significantly longer after the first or second year, but the skeleton continues to grow, resulting in a bundle of nerves called the cauda equina.