normal curvatures Flashcards
what embryonic event causes the direction of the posterior curve of the vertebral column?
embryonic disc will undergo flexion in a cranial to caudal direction
why is the posterior curve also called the primary curve?
it is the first curve to appear embryologically
what are the adult remnants of the primary curve along the vertebral column?
thoracic or dorsal curve and the pelvic or sacroccygeal curve
what are the names given to curves that form during development to reverse the direction of regions along the vertebral column?
anterior curve, secondary curve, compensatory curve
what are the names of the anterior curves, secondary curves, and compensatory curves?
cervical curve and lumbar curve
what segmental levels form the cervical curve?
C2-T1
what segmental levels form the lumbar curve?
T12 to L5
what is the earliest time of appearance of the cervical curve?
third fetal month
what is the traditional time of appearance of the cervical curve said to be?
during the last trimester in utero
what is the time during which the “adult” cervical curve is said to appear?
within the first year after birth
what developmental events are indicated in the formation of the adult cervical curve?
- centers for vision and equilibrium will appear in the brain
- musculature attaching the skull, cervical region, and upper thorax together develops
- the head is held upright
- the intervertebral disc height becomes greater anterior than posterior
at what age will the infant begin to hold the head erect?
usually between the third and fourth month after birth
what is the name given to the integration of visual and motor pathways associated with holding the head erect?
the righting reflex
what is the location for the apex of the cervical curve?
typically between C4 and C5
what is the location for the cervical kyphosis?
between occiput and C1
