Q17 The Intervertebral Disc

Question 1

Name the main components of an intervertebral disc

Be able to draw and label a diagram of a disc

Answer 1

Nucleus pulpose, annulus fibrosus, and 2 cartilage end plates

Question 2

Briefly describe the structure of the two main components

Answer 2

Nucleus pulposes: found centrally and consists of a soft hydrophilic gel in a lattice of collagen fibres approx 88% water.
Annulus Fibrosus: Surrounds the Nucleus Pulposes made of dense collagen fibres arranged in rings that form lamellae with fibres at oblique angles to the adjacent layer, 60-70% water

Question 3

List 3 functions of the intervertebral disc

Answer 3

Allows movement between adjacent vertebral bodies
Binds adjacent vertebrae together to give spinal stability
Acts as an inter-vertebral shock absorber