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An anteriorly convex curvature of the vertebral column; the normal lordoses of the cervical and lumbar regions are secondary curvatures of the vertebral column, acquired postnatally. SYN: hollow back, saddle back. [G. l., a bending backward]
- cervical l. [TA] the normal, anteriorly convex curvature of the cervical segment of the vertebral column; cervical l. is a secondary curvature of the vertebral column, acquired postnatally as the infant lifts its head. SYN: l. cervicis [TA], l. colli.
- l. cervicis [TA] SYN: cervical l..
- l. colli cervical l..
- l. lumbalis [TA] SYN: lumbar l..
- lumbar l. [TA] the normal, anteriorly convex curvature of the lumbar segment of the vertebral column; lumbar l. is a secondary curvature of the vertebral column, acquired postnatally as the upright posture is assumed when one learns to walk. SYN: l. lumbalis [TA], lumbar flexure.
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lor·do·sis lȯr-'dō-səs n exaggerated forward curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the spinal column compare KYPHOSIS, SCOLIOSIS
lor·dot·ic -'dät-ik adj
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n.
inward curvature of the spine. A certain degree of lordosis is normal in the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine: loss of this is a sign of ankylosing spondylitis. Exaggerated lordosis may occur in adolescence, through faulty posture or as a result of disease affecting the vertebrae and spinal muscles. Compare kyphosis.
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lor·do·sis (lor-doґsis) [Gr. lōrdosis] 1. a concave portion of the vertebral column as seen from the side. 2. abnormally increased concavity in the curvature of the lumbar vertebral column as viewed from the side; called also hollow back, saddle back, and swayback. Cf. kyphosis and scoliosis.
Lumbar lordosis and protuberant abdomen characteristic of a toddler.
Medical dictionary. 2011.