Where does the spinal cord end in adults?

The spinal cord in adults typically ends at the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra (L1 or L2). This structure results from the growth patterns and differences between the length of the vertebral column and the spinal cord during development. In infancy, the spinal cord stretches the length of the vertebral column, but as a person grows, the vertebral column elongates more rapidly than the spinal cord. Therefore, in adults, the spinal cord terminates higher than the base of the vertebral column.

The end of the spinal cord is known as the conus medullaris. Below this level, the spinal nerves continue as a bundle known as the cauda equina, which travels through the vertebral canal to exit at their respective intervertebral foramina. Understanding this anatomical end point is crucial for those working in corrective exercise and rehabilitation, as it provides key insights into potential injury areas and the functioning of the nervous system in relation to movement and corrective strategies.