Vertebral Column Curvatures

Question 1

what are the curvatures in the adult vertebral column

Answer 1

cervical –> secondary

thoracic –> primary

lumbar –> secondary

sacral –> primary

Question 2

what do curvatures provide

Answer 2

a flexible support for the body

allows for weight bearing

Question 3

primary curvatures

Answer 3

develop during the fetal period

retained throughout life as a consequence of differences in height b/w anterior and posterior parts of the vertebrae

thoracic and sacral (pelvic)

concave anteriorly = kyphosis

Question 4

secondary curvatures

Answer 4

do not become obvious until infancy

maintained by differences in thickness b/w anterior and posterior parts of the intervertebral discs

cervical and lumbar

concave posteriorly = lordosis

Question 5

cervical curvature

Answer 5

becomes obvious when infants begin to hold their heads erect

Question 6

lumbar curvature

Answer 6

becomes apparent when an infant begins to walk and assumes an upright position

lumbosacral angle

Question 7

lumbosacral angle

Answer 7

where the lumbar curvature ends

formed at the junction of L5 and the sacrum

Question 8

landmark for C7 palpation

Answer 8

cervicothoracic junction

Question 9

landmark for T3 palpation

Answer 9

scapular spine

Question 10

landmark for T7 palpation

Answer 10

inferior scapular angle

Question 11

landmark for T12

Answer 11

12th rib

Question 12

landmark for L4 palpation

Answer 12

iliac crest