Which term describes the exaggerated posterior curvature of the thoracic spine?

Which term describes the exaggerated posterior curvature of the thoracic spine?

• A. Kyphosis
• B. Scoliosis
• C. Lordosis
• D. Ankylosis

Answer: (A)

Think about how the spine is supposed to curve. The thoracic region normally has a posterior bend, called kyphosis. When that curve becomes more pronounced than usual, we still refer to it as kyphosis (often described as hyperkyphosis when it’s extreme). Scoliosis describes a side-to-side curve, not a back-bending one. Lordosis is an exaggerated inward curve, typically in the lumbar or cervical regions, not the thoracic posterior bow. Ankylosis means joints are fused or stiff, not a curvature. So, the term that describes an exaggerated posterior curvature of the thoracic spine is kyphosis.

Think about how the spine is supposed to curve. The thoracic region normally has a posterior bend, called kyphosis. When that curve becomes more pronounced than usual, we still refer to it as kyphosis (often described as hyperkyphosis when it’s extreme). Scoliosis describes a side-to-side curve, not a back-bending one. Lordosis is an exaggerated inward curve, typically in the lumbar or cervical regions, not the thoracic posterior bow. Ankylosis means joints are fused or stiff, not a curvature. So, the term that describes an exaggerated posterior curvature of the thoracic spine is kyphosis.