Medical Terminology Simplified

Forward curvature of the lumbar region of the vertebral column, leading to a sway-

back posture

Lordosis may be caused by increased weight in the abdomen, such as during pregnancy.

(See Fig. 10-16.)

Abnormal sideward curvature of the spine to the left or right

Scoliosis eventually causes back pain, disk disease, or arthritis. It is commonly a congeni-

tal disease, but may result from poor posture. (See Fig. 10–16.)

Partial forward dislocation of one vertebra over the one below it, most commonly the

fifth lumbar vertebra over the first sacral vertebra; also called spinal cord compression

Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 10 491

Normal Scoliosis Kyphosis Lordosis

Figure 10-16Spinal curvatures.

lordosis

lōr-DŌ-sĭs

lord: curve, swayback

-osis: abnormal condi-

tion; increase

(used primarily

with blood cells)

scoliosis

skō-lē-Ō-sĭs

scoli: crooked, bent

-osis: abnormal condi-

tion; increase

(used primarily

with blood cells)

spondylolisthesis

spŏn-dĭ-lō-lĭs-THĒ-sĭs

spondyl/o: vertebra

(backbone)

-listhesis: slipping