Which statement is true about the thoracic curvature?

Which statement is true about the thoracic curvature?

• A. The thoracic curvature is concave anteriorly from T2 to T12.
• B. The thoracic curvature is convex anteriorly from T2 to T12.
• C. The thoracic curvature is concave posteriorly from T2 to T12.
• D. The thoracic curvature is flat.

Answer: (A)

The thoracic spine has a kyphotic curve, meaning the bend is convex toward the back and concave toward the front. In the region from about T2 to T12, this results in the anterior surface forming a concavity, so the curvature is concave anteriorly. That’s why the statement describing the thoracic curvature as concave toward the front from T2 to T12 is the correct description. The other possibilities would imply a different type of curvature (lordosis) or no curvature at all, which isn’t characteristic of the thoracic region.

The thoracic spine has a kyphotic curve, meaning the bend is convex toward the back and concave toward the front. In the region from about T2 to T12, this results in the anterior surface forming a concavity, so the curvature is concave anteriorly. That’s why the statement describing the thoracic curvature as concave toward the front from T2 to T12 is the correct description. The other possibilities would imply a different type of curvature (lordosis) or no curvature at all, which isn’t characteristic of the thoracic region.