At which level does the spinal cord terminate in adults?

The spinal cord in adults terminates at approximately the level of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) or just slightly below this level. This region is known as the conus medullaris. The spinal cord does not extend down to the end of the vertebral column; instead, in adults, it typically concludes around L1, where it transitions into the cauda equina, a bundle of nerve roots.

Understanding the anatomy of the spinal cord is crucial for medical professionals, as this knowledge is essential for procedures such as lumbar punctures, where the correct site is crucial to avoid damaging the spinal cord. In younger individuals, the spinal cord may extend further down, closer to the third lumbar vertebra (L3), but as a person matures, the vertebral column grows at a faster rate than the spinal cord, leading to this higher termination point in adults.