Final answer:
Anterior pelvic tilt is defined as an increased lumbar lordosis, an excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar spine causing the pelvis to tilt forward.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anterior pelvic tilt is a postural imbalance where there is an excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar spine. This condition is generally defined as an increased lumbar lordosis. Lordosis, or swayback, describes when there is an exaggerated inward curve of the lumbar region, causing the pelvis to tilt forward. This anterior tilt is often associated with certain conditions or lifestyle factors such as obesity or late pregnancy, mainly due to the accumulation of body weight in the abdominal area, which shifts the line of gravity forward.
It is important to differentiate between the various types of spinal curvatures. Kyphosis is characterized by an excessive posterior curvature of the thoracic vertebrae, while scoliosis refers to an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. In contrast to kyphosis and scoliosis, lordosis specifically affects the lumbar region and is seen as a secondary curve that is convex anteriorly.
To summarize, the correct answer to the question posed is A) Increased lumbar lordosis.