The vertebral column

Question 1

How many curvatures are there in the vertebral column? What are their names?

Answer 1

There are four. The cervical, Thoracic, lumbar and Sacral

Question 2

which curvatures originates in embryonic/fetal development?

Answer 2

The primary ‘kyphosis’ ( thoracic and sacral). They are in all vertebrates

Question 3

Which curvatures develop in early postnatal growth?

Answer 3

The secondary ‘lordosis’ (cervical and lumbar). They are unique to humans

Question 4

What is the role of the secondary lordoses (Lumbar and cervical)?

Answer 4

They keep the body’s center of mass (head/trunk) aligned over the feet. Which reduces the muscle effort to stand up.

Question 5

Name some Abnormal curvature

Answer 5

Thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, scoliosis

Question 6

How many vertebrates are there in the Cervical region ?

Answer 6

7

Question 7

How many vertebrae are there in the thoracic region?

Answer 7

12

Question 8

How many vertebrae are there in the lumbar region?

Answer 8

5