Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Spinal Anatomy I - Exam 2 > Normal Curvatures of the Spinal Column > Flashcards

Normal Curvatures of the Spinal Column Flashcards

1
Q

How are curvatures of the vertebral column identified?

A

according to the direction the convexity of the curve faces

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the curvatures of the vertebral column?

A

anterior, posterior, and lateral

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the direction of the primary curve of the vertebral column?

A

posterior

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What embryonic event causes the direction of the posterior curve of the vertebral column?

A

the embryonic disc will undergo flexion in a cranial to caudal direction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Why is the posterior curve also called the primary curve?

A

it is the first curve to appear embryologically

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the adult remnants of the primary curve along the vertebral column?

A
  • the thoracic or dorsal curve

- the pelvic or sacrococcygeal curve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the names given to curves that form during development to reverse the direction of regions along the vertebral column?

A

anterior curve, secondary curve, or compensatory curve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the names of the anterior curves?

A
  • cervical curve

- lumbar curve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What segmental levels form the cervical curve?

A

C2-T1

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What segmental levels form the lumbar curve?

A

T12-L5

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the earliest time of appearance of the cervical curve?

A

3rd fetal month

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the traditional time of appearance of the cervical curve said to be?

A

during the last trimester in utero

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the time during which the “adult” cervical curve is said to appear?

A

within the first year after birth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What developmental events are indicated in the formation of the adult cervical curve?

A
  1. centers for vision and equilibrium will appear in the brain
  2. musculature attaching the skull, cervical region, and upper thorax together develops
  3. the head is held upright
  4. the intervertebral disc height becomes greater anterior than posterior
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

At what age will the infant begin to hold the head erect?

A

usually between the 3rd and 4th month after birth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the name given to the integration of visual and motor pathways associated with holding the head erect?

A

the righting reflex

17
Q

What is the location for the apex of the cervical curve?

A

typically between C4 and C5

18
Q

What is the location for the cervical kyphosis (primary cervical curve)?

A

between occiput and C1

19
Q

What is the vertebral relationship between the cervical curve and the cervical enlargement?

A
  • cervical curve C2-T1

- cervical enlargement C3-T1

20
Q

What is the time of appearance of the lumbar curve?

A

between 12 and 18 months after birth

21
Q

What infant activities are associated with the development of the lumbar curve?

A

crawling and walking

22
Q

What developmental events are indicated in the formation of the adult lumbar curve?

A
  1. crawling will cause the abdomen to put tension on the lumbar region and pulls it forward
  2. muscle development is promoted to compensate for the swayback of the lumbars
  3. intervertebral disc height will become greater anterior compared to posterior
  4. walking will further promote muscle and intervertebral disc development
23
Q

What happens within the intervertebral disc to facilitate the lumbar curve development?

A

the nucleus pulposus of L4 will shift its position within the annulus fibrosis

24
Q

Which sense is a requirement for holding the head erect, standing, sitting, and walking?

A

vision

25
Q

What is the gender bias associated with lumbar curve convexity?

A

females have a greater convexity

26
Q

What is the vertebral relationship between the lumbar curve and the lumbar enlargement?

A
  • lumbar curve T12-L5

- lumbar enlargement T9-T12

27
Q

What is the formation of the lateral curve often associated with?

A

faster development of the muscles on the side of handedness

28
Q

What is the time of appearance of the lateral curves?

A

they appear after 6 years old

29
Q

What locations of lateral curves are recognized?

A

cervical, thoracic or dorsal, and lumbar

30
Q

Which lateral curves are best developed?

A

thoracic/dorsal and lumbar

31
Q

What is the relationship between curve direction and handedness?

A

a right-handed person has a high probablility for a right thoracic, left lumbar curve combination

32
Q

What is the incidence of right thoracic, left lumbar curve combination in the population?

A

about 80%

Spinal Anatomy I - Exam 2 (28 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions