Viewed laterally the vertebral column presents several curves,
which correspond to the different regions of the column, and are
called cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic. The cervical
curve, convex forward, begins at the apex of the odontoid
(tooth-like) process, and ends at the middle of the second
thoracic vertebra; it is the least marked of all the curves. The
thoracic curve, concave forward, begins at the middle of the
second and ends at the middle of the twelfth thoracic vertebra.
Its most prominent point behind corresponds to the spinous
process of the seventh thoracic vertebra. This curve is known as
a kyphotic curve. lumbar curve is more marked in the female than
in the male; it begins at the middle of the last thoracic
vertebra, and ends at the sacrovertebral angle. It is convex
anteriorly, the convexity of the lower three vertebrae being
much greater than that of the upper two. This curve is described
as a lordotic curve. The pelvic curve begins at the
sacrovertebral articulation, and ends at th