ANTERIOR POSTERIOR LINE OF GRAVITY

Definition
It represents the force that gravity exerts on the body.

Situation
This line starts from the anterior third of the foramen magnum, passes through the
vertebral bodies of T11 and T12, then around the L4-L5 joint, the body of S1 and ends
up at the tip of the coccyx.
It unites the whole spine, from the head to the sacrum.
Sacral mobility is, via this line, directly linked to the occiput.

Modification of the line of gravity

-

T11 and T12 bear this line and are the articular pivot points between the chest
and the abdomen.

T11 and T12 are the most movable thoracic vertebras thanks to their pairs of
floating ribs. This zone is indeed essential for torsion and rotations of the
trunk.

The position of the abdominal aorta in front of T12 makes this vertebra a
hemorrhagic center (circulation troubles within the abdomen and lower limbs).

The modification of this gravity line causes descending patterns.

SARL IRFOR Modle dpos.

ANTERIOR POSTERIOR LINE

POSTERIOR ANTERIOR LINES

SARL IRFOR Modle dpos.

POSTRIOR ANTRIOR LINES OF GRAVITY

Dfinition
These two lines represent the force of reaction of the ground. They are complementary to
the anterior posterior line that balances the center of gravity and to the C1-coccyx line.
Situation
-

They start on each side of the posterior edge of the foramen magnum, pass
on the tip of the spinous processes of C1 & C2 and go through the body of T2.

They carry on down and cross in front of T4.

After crossing, they descend near the anterior edges of L2 & L3 to end up in the
coxofemoral joints.

From there, they divide and descend through the lower limbs, the thighs,
around the cruciate ligaments of the knee and the ankles around the
interosseous talocalcaneal ligaments (cuboid bones).

Modification of the line of gravity

-

They link the occiput-C1-C2 joints and T2 concerning neck tensions.

They maintain appropriate abdominal and pelvic pressures to ensure visceral

motricity.

They maintain muscular tension so L3 is vertical above the coxofemoral joints.

They represent the force of reaction of the ground (ascending patterns).

Any trouble interferes with the biomechanics of the lower limbs. Conversely,
any lower-located dysfunction will modify the mathematical lines of the body.

SARL IRFOR Modle dpos.

General remarks concerning the anterior posterior and posterior anterior lines

Their role is to maintain neck tension integrity in order to properly balance the head.

Their role is also to guarantee equilibrium of the pelvic girdle: from L2 and L3, the
downward gravity forces must be directed toward the coxofemoral joints and the
femoral heads.
In a seated position, these lines direct the downward gravity forces toward
the ischiums.

To conclude, we can assert that those lines maintain:

A balanced cervical spine, neither flexed nor extended,

A balanced trunk, neither anteversed nor tilted on the side
(possible coxarthrosis at a later stage),
The proper position of the lower limbs in relation with the visceral
pressures: flexed or extended hips meaning anterior visceral
hyperpressures.

SARL IRFOR Modle dpos.

CONCLUSION

The single anterior posterior line and the couple of posterior anterior lines ensure body
balance and avoid lateral tilts. Any unbalance on those lines leads to axis deviation of the
Barrs Vertical line.

ANTERIOR POSTERIOR LINE

POSTERIOR ANTERIOR LINES

Foramen magnum
anterior edge

Posterior edge

cross path on T4

go through T11 and T12 vertebral bodies

go through the lumbars

coccyx

SARL IRFOR Modle dpos.