Scoliosis is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine that includes side-to-side bending and rotation. It is commonly described and measured on standing spine X-rays. Scoliosis is used as a diagnosis in pediatrics and adult spine care to describe a structural spinal deformity. It is also used in surgical planning, bracing decisions, and long-term monitoring.

The Renal Artery is a major blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the abdominal aorta to the kidney. Each kidney usually has its own Renal Artery, one on the left and one on the right. Clinicians commonly discuss the Renal Artery when evaluating kidney blood flow, blood pressure problems, and vascular disease.

Kyphosis is a forward rounding curve of the spine. A mild kyphosis in the mid-back (thoracic spine) is normal in many people. The term is commonly used to describe an *excessive* or *abnormal* rounding that changes posture, comfort, or function. Clinicians use Kyphosis as a diagnosis and a way to describe spinal alignment on exam and imaging.

Brachiocephalic Artery is a major blood vessel that branches off the aorta (the body’s main artery). It supplies oxygen-rich blood toward the right side of the head and neck and the right arm. Brachiocephalic Artery is commonly discussed in cardiovascular imaging, stroke evaluation, and heart and aortic surgery planning. It is also known as the “innominate artery” in many medical texts.

Lordosis refers to the natural inward curve of the spine. It is most commonly discussed in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). Clinicians use the term to describe normal alignment and to describe abnormal changes in that curve. You may see Lordosis mentioned in imaging reports, posture discussions, and surgical planning.

Axis is the medical name for the second cervical vertebra (C2) in the neck. It sits just below the atlas (C1) and helps support and rotate the head. Axis is commonly discussed in neck injuries, imaging reports, and upper-cervical surgery planning. It is a key bony landmark for stability around the spinal cord at the top of the spine.

The Subclavian Artery is a major blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to the arms. It also gives off important branches that supply the brain, spinal cord, and chest wall. Clinicians commonly reference it during evaluation of arm symptoms, blood pressure differences, and circulation to the brain. It is also important in cardiovascular imaging and certain catheter-based or surgical procedures.

The Vertebral Artery is a major artery that runs up the neck on each side. It supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and the back (posterior) part of the brain. Clinicians discuss it when evaluating symptoms that may involve the brain’s posterior circulation. It is commonly assessed with vascular imaging such as ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography.

Atlas is the first cervical vertebra (C1) at the very top of the spine. It supports the skull and helps allow the head to nod and rotate. In spine care, Atlas is commonly discussed in neck injury, upper-cervical instability, and surgical stabilization.

The External Carotid Artery is a major artery in the neck that supplies blood to the face, scalp, and much of the superficial head and neck. It is one of the two terminal branches of the common carotid artery (the other is the internal carotid artery). Clinicians most often discuss it when evaluating head-and-neck blood flow, neck masses or bleeding, and carotid artery disease. It is commonly assessed with physical exam and vascular imaging such as ultrasound or CT angiography.