What is another word for spinal puncture?
Pronunciation: [spˈa͡ɪnə͡l pˈʌŋkt͡ʃə] (IPA) 
Spinal puncture, also known as a lumbar puncture, is a medical procedure that involves inserting a needle into a person's spinal canal to remove cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Although spinal puncture is the commonly used term, there are other synonyms used in medical literature. These include lumbar puncture, spinal tap, rachicentesis, and intrathecal aspiration. All of these terms describe the same procedure, focusing on different aspects of the technique, such as the location of puncture, the style of the needle used, or the method of fluid collection. Knowing different names for spinal puncture can help patients and healthcare professionals communicate clearly and avoid confusion.
