Question

Human vertebral column has
A. Four curves
B. No curves
C. Three curves
D. Two curves

Answer 1

Hint:The human vertebral column looks like an s-shaped curve that develops around the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Human vertebrae grow in size from the neck to the lower back due to added weight.

Complete Answer:
The vertebral column, also known as the spinal column, the spine or the spine, in vertebrate animals, is a flexible structure stretching from the neck to the tail, made up of a collection of bones, the vertebrae. The main function of the spinal column is to protect the spinal cord. It also stiffens the body and provides attachment points for the pectoral and pelvic girdles and other muscles. In humans, it transfers body weight while walking and standing.

The spine is defined by a variable number of curves. In quadrupeds, the column is bent in a single arc with the highest portion occurring in the centre of the back which functions much like a bow spring in locomotion. The adult human vertebral column does not form a straight line, but instead has four curves along its length. They include the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic curves. The thoracic and sacral curvatures, called primary curvatures, occur during the embryonic phase, while the cervical and lumbar curvatures, referred to as secondary curvatures, emerge later and are accentuated at infancy by support of the head and upright posture.

Thus, the correct answer is option A i.e., Four curves

Note:A typical vertebra consists of a body and a vertebral arch, which has many mechanisms for joint and muscle attachments. Curves act like a coiled spring to absorb shock, maintain balance, and allow a variety of movement through the spinal column.