spinal tap
A procedure in which a needle is inserted into the subarachnoid space and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is withdrawn; a cisternal tap is performed in the upper cervical area called the cerebellomedullary cistern and a lumbar tap is performed in the patient's lower back region.
Related Words
cerebellomedullary cistern ; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ; cervical ; cisterna ; lumbar ; subarachnoid space
