Final answer:
A lumbar puncture is performed in the lower lumbar area of the vertebral column to remove cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spine. It is a safe procedure that involves inserting a needle between two vertebrae in the lower back to access the CSF for testing or to relieve pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
A lumbar puncture is used to remove cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spine. It is performed in the lower lumbar area of the vertebral column because it is a relatively safe location to insert a needle without the risk of damaging the central nervous system (CNS) tissue. The procedure involves inserting a needle between two vertebrae in the lower back to access the CSF for testing or to relieve pressure.