Intervertebral Disc: Introduction

Question 1

What is the number of true intervertebral discs identified in the adult?

Answer 1

twenty-three

Question 2

In the adult, which vertebral levels will demonstrate a true intervertebral disc?

Answer 2

those between C2 and S1 inclusive

Question 3

What is the percent of intervertebral disc height contribution to the length of each region of the vertebral column?

Answer 3

cervical…22-25%; thoracic…20%; lumbar…33%

Question 4

What are the names of the central, peripheral, and hoizontal zones of the intervertebral disc?

Answer 4

nucleus pulposus…central zone; annulus fibrosis…peripheral zone; cartilaginous end plate…horizontal zone