CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

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At which level of the lumbar spine is a spinal needle typically inserted for a lumbar puncture?

L2/L3
L3/L4
L4/L5
L5/S1

The correct answer is: L3/L4

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is typically performed at the L3/L4 intervertebral space in adults. This site is chosen for several reasons. First, performing the procedure below the L2 vertebra reduces the risk of damaging the spinal cord, which ends around the L1-L2 level in adults. The lumbar cistern, where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is abundant, is located below this point, making the L3/L4 space a safe and accessible location for needle insertion. Inserting the needle at the L3/L4 level allows clinicians to access the subarachnoid space where the CSF resides, facilitating diagnostic tests and the administration of medications. This level is also anatomically advantageous due to the broader intervertebral spaces found in the lumbar region, which further minimizes the risk of complications.