IV.A.4 Head & Back: Spinal Cord

IV.A.4 Head & Back: Spinal Cord Page 2 of 3

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	Step 3: What is the function of the filum terminale? Discuss.
	Step 4: Add the spinal nerves.
	Step 5: Using the Highlight tool, identify the cauda equina. Note the distance that these spinal nerves below L1 travel to exit the vertebral column.

	Why is it safest to perform a lumbar puncture between L2 and L3 or L3 and L4?
Because the spinal cord ends at L1, and a needle placed in the spinal column will separate - rather than puncture - the nerves.