What is a lumbar cisternae?

The lumbar cisternae (or lumbar cistern) is a sac-like structure in the lower part of the spinal canal that contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is located below the spinal cord and extends from the lower thoracic to the sacral region of the spine. The lumbar cisternae is an important site for obtaining CSF samples for diagnostic tests or administering medication such as epidural anesthesia.