VIII. Curvatures of the Vertebral Column: Normal Curvatures

Question 1

What are the names of the anterior curves, secondary curves, and compensatory curves?

Answer 1

cervical curve and lumbar curve

Question 2

What segmental level form the cervical curve?

Answer 2

C2-T1

Question 3

What segmental levels form the lumbar curve?

Answer 3

T12 to L5

Question 4

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

Answer 4

during the last trimester in utero

Question 5

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

Answer 5

within the first year after birth

Question 6

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

Answer 6

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 help upright
4. the intervertebral disc height becomes greater anterior than posterior

Question 7

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

Answer 7

usually between the third and fourth month after birth

Question 8

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

Answer 8

the righting reflex

Question 9

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

Answer 9

typically between C4 and C5

Question 10

What is the location for the cervical kyphosis?

Answer 10

between occiput and C1

Question 11

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

Answer 11

cervical curve C2-T1; cervical enlargement C3-T1

Question 12

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

Answer 12

crawling and walking

Question 13

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

Answer 13

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

Question 14

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

Answer 14

vision

Question 15

What is the gender bias associated with lumbar curve convexity?

Answer 15

females have a greater convexity of the lumbar curve

Question 16

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

Answer 16

lumbar curve T12-L5; lumbar enlargement T9-T12

Question 17

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

Answer 17

faster development of the muscles on the side of handedness

Question 18

What is the time of appearance of the lateral curves?

Answer 18

they appear after 6 years old

Question 19

What locations of lateral curves are recognized?

Answer 19

cervical, thoracic or dorsal, and lumbar

Question 20

What is the relationship between curve direction and handedness?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

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

Answer 21

about 80% of the population demonstrates this