Question #16

The human spine has a degree of curvature which supports appropriate posture through infant to adult life. Which of the following descriptions is correct?

Cervical spine maintains its primary curvature of concave posteriorly throughout life.

Lumbar spine maintains its primary curvature of concave posteriorly throughout life.

Cervical spine develops a secondary curvature of concave anteriorly.

Sacral spine maintains its primary curvature of concave anteriorly throughout life.

Lumbar spine develops a secondary curvature of concave anteriorly.

Embryologically the spine is curved concave anteriorly. This is known as the primary curvature of the spine. As the baby begins to lift its head the cervical spine develops a secondary curvature in the opposite direction to support this action i.e. concave posteriorly. As the infant begins to walk the lumbar spine develops a secondary curvature to support this action i.e. concave posteriorly.

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