A person with a serious case of osteoporosis has developed kyphosis. What anatom

Kyphosis is a curvature of the back which resembles a "C" shape in profile, making the person appear shorter than previously, caused by collapse of the anterior portions of the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae. These vertebrae collapse because of a loss of calcium from the bones as an individual ages and does not take in enough dietary calcium. Functional problems associated with this condition include a reduction and change in shape of the thoracic cavity, compressing thoracic structures and perhaps contributing to circulatory and respiratory problems.