Question

3. At what level is a spinal tap performed. From an embryological stand point why is this possible?

Answer 1

ANS. A spinal tap is performed between the lumber vertebra. It is performed between the vetebra L4 and the L5. It is performed at this level because the spinal cord ends at L2 to L3. So it is possible for us to obtain the CSF at this level without damaging the spinal cord. It is possible for an embryological stand point because we have to create a space. And that space is created because after the third month, the cord, which initially extended the entire length of the vertebral column, does not lengthen as rapidly as the dura and vertebral column do. It is beneficial because in the adult  the spinal cord ends at the L2 to L3 level.