In an adult, the spinal cord extends down the vertebral column to the level of which vertebrae?Multiple ChoiceL1-L2L4-L5S1-S2S4-S5

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the range of vertebrae to which the spinal cord typically extends in adults.
2. Understand the anatomy of the vertebral column and spinal cord.

Relevant Concepts

• The spinal cord typically ends at the level of the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L2) in adults.
• Below this region, the bundle of spinal nerves, known as the cauda equina, continues down the vertebral column.

Analysis and Detail

1. The spinal cord starts at the base of the brain and passes through the foramen magnum.
2. It travels down the vertebral column within the vertebral canal.
3. In adults, the conus medullaris (the tapered end of the spinal cord) typically terminates around the L1 to L2 vertebral level.
4. After this point, nerve roots continue to descend before exiting at their respective levels.

Verify and Summarize

• Option L1-L2 is the correct range indicating the termination of the spinal cord in the adult human.
• Other options listed (L4-L5, S1-S2, S4-S5) are incorrect as the spinal cord does not reach these levels.

Final Answer

The spinal cord in adults extends down to the level of the L1-L2 vertebrae.