Second lumbar vertebra
Expansion
Lumbar vertebra 2
Purpose
Reference for lumbar anatomy; spinal cord typically ends at L1 to L2 level
Clinical Context
Lumbar vertebra 2: spinal cord (conus medullaris) terminates L1 to L2 level. Cauda equina below this. Lower lumbar herniation compresses nerve roots, not cord.
Related Terms
- L1
- Spinal cord termination
Key Points
- Conus medullaris typically at L1 to L2; lower lumbar disc herniation less likely to cause cord compression