Inferior extent of the spinal cord ends at which vertebral level?

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Multiple Choice

Inferior extent of the spinal cord ends at which vertebral level?

Explanation:
The main idea is where the spinal cord ends in adults. The end of the spinal cord, the conus medullaris, sits at about the level of the second lumbar vertebra. This reflects growth of the vertebral column after birth outpacing the length of the cord, so the cord terminates higher than the corresponding vertebral level. Below the conus, the nerve roots descend as the cauda equina to reach their respective exits. Therefore, the inferior extent of the spinal cord itself is at L2. Variations exist, but L2 is the typical termination point; levels below belong to the cauda equina rather than the cord proper.

The main idea is where the spinal cord ends in adults. The end of the spinal cord, the conus medullaris, sits at about the level of the second lumbar vertebra. This reflects growth of the vertebral column after birth outpacing the length of the cord, so the cord terminates higher than the corresponding vertebral level. Below the conus, the nerve roots descend as the cauda equina to reach their respective exits. Therefore, the inferior extent of the spinal cord itself is at L2. Variations exist, but L2 is the typical termination point; levels below belong to the cauda equina rather than the cord proper.

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