A lateral curvature of the spine is known as which of the following?

Kyphosis is characterized by an excessive outward curvature of the spine, resulting in a hunchback appearance. Unlike scoliosis, which involves lateral curvature, kyphosis pertains to a forward bending of the spine and does not address lateral deviations.

Lordosis refers to an exaggerated inward curvature of the lumbar spine, commonly known as swayback. Similar to kyphosis, lordosis describes a different type of spinal curvature and does not involve the lateral deviation that defines scoliosis.

Spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs, often leading to osteoarthritis in the spine. While it can cause pain and stiffness, it does not specifically refer to any curvature of the spine, particularly lateral curvature, which is the defining feature of scoliosis.