What condition does kyphosis refer to?

Kyphosis refers specifically to an exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic spine, which can lead to a humped appearance of the back, commonly recognized as "humpback." This condition is often associated with poor posture, aging, and certain medical conditions, and it can impact a person’s overall posture and spinal health. The thoracic region of the spine is the area where this curvature occurs, making option C the accurate description of kyphosis.

The other options address different spinal curvatures that do not align with the definition of kyphosis. For instance, an outward curve in the lumbar spine pertains to lordosis, an inward curve of the lumbar spine refers to a normal physiological curve rather than kyphosis, and a sideways curvature of the spine describes scoliosis. Each of these conditions involves distinct characteristics and classifications that differentiate them from kyphosis.