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

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

Answer: (A)

Kyphosis describes an exaggerated posterior curvature of the thoracic spine. The thoracic region normally curves outward toward the back, and when this curvature becomes more pronounced, it’s called hyperkyphosis or increased thoracic kyphosis. This gives the appearance of a rounded upper back. In contrast, lordosis is an excessive inward curve in the cervical or lumbar regions, scoliosis is a sideways bend of the spine, and anterolisthesis is when a vertebra slips forward relative to the one below. So the term that best fits the description is kyphosis.