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Describe the curvature of the thoracic spine.
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The thoracic spine curve is posteriorly convex (kyphosis).
Which bones form the points where the skull joins with the first cervical spine?
The occipital condyles form the points where the skull joins with the first cervical spine.
Summarize the normal curvatures of the spine.
Cervical spine: anteriorly convex (lordosis). Thoracic spine: posteriorly convex (kyphosis). Lumbar spine: anteriorly convex (lordosis). Sacral/coccygeal spine: posteriorly convex (kyphosis).
What happens to the lumbar spine as a child starts walking and sitting upright?
The lumbar spine develops an anterior convex curve (lordosis) as a child starts walking and sitting upright.
What structures form the general structure of the spine from top to bottom?
Cervical spine: 7 vertebrae, thoracic spine: 12 vertebrae, lumbar spine: 5 vertebrae, sacral spine: 5 fused vertebrae, coccygeal spine: 4 fused vertebrae.
What are the characteristics of cervical lordosis, and what modern behavior can exacerbate it?
Cervical lordosis is the anterior convex curvature of the cervical spine, worsened by extensive cell phone or computer use.
How many vertebrae are in the cervical spine?
The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae.
Explain the term 'scoliosis' and its associated rib movement.
Scoliosis is a lateral spinal curve, often accompanied by rib movement in thoracic scoliosis.
What is the function of the foramen magnum?
The foramen magnum is the opening through which the spinal cord passes.
What postural issues can result from tight hamstrings?
Tight hamstrings can lead to a flat lumbar spine and compression.
Define 'sway back' and its associated skeletal movement.
Sway back involves an anterior pelvic tilt, often leading to compensatory changes in spinal curves.
Where is the mastoid process located and what muscle attaches to it?
The mastoid process is located on the temporal bone, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle attaches to it.
How does poor posture affect spinal curves?
Poor posture and muscle imbalances around the head and torso can lead to abnormal spinal curves, such as excessive anterior pelvic tilt, increased kyphosis, or cervical lordosis.
Identify and describe the three types of abnormal spinal curves.
Flat lumbar spine: due to tight hamstrings, leading to compression. Cervical lordosis: worsened by extensive cell phone or computer use. Kyphosis: increased thoracic curve, often compensated by increased cervical lordosis.
What is kyphosis and how might it be compensated for in the cervical spine?
Kyphosis is an increased posterior curvature of the thoracic spine, often compensated for by increased anterior curvature (lordosis) of the cervical spine.
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