Which term describes the condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine?

Which term describes the condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine?

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

Answer: (A)

Scoliosis is the term for a sideways bend of the spine. It describes a lateral curvature, which may also involve rotation of the vertebrae, often noticed as uneven shoulders or hips and sometimes a rib hump when bending forward. Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward rounding of the upper back, while lordosis is an excessive inward curve of the lower back. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, which can contribute to fractures but does not describe a spinal curvature itself.

Scoliosis is the term for a sideways bend of the spine. It describes a lateral curvature, which may also involve rotation of the vertebrae, often noticed as uneven shoulders or hips and sometimes a rib hump when bending forward. Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward rounding of the upper back, while lordosis is an excessive inward curve of the lower back. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, which can contribute to fractures but does not describe a spinal curvature itself.