Intervertebral disc

The intervertebral disc is a fibrocartilaginous tissue sandwiched between vertebral bodies in the spine, composed of a tough outer ring (anulus fibrosus) made of type I collagen and a hydrated gelatinous center (nucleus pulposus) rich in type II collagen and aggrecan. Cartilaginous endplates cap the disc superiorly and inferiorly. The disc acts as a shock absorber, distributes compressive loads, enables flexibility, and prevents vertebral friction. It is mostly avascular in adults, receiving nutrients mainly by diffusion. Molecularly, the disc contains various cell types including chondrocyte-like cells, progenitor cells, and immune cells (especially in degenerative states). Disc degeneration is a key pathological process, associated with the loss of proteoglycans and water, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered cell activity.

Other names

Intervertebral discDiscus intervertebralis (Latin)IVDIntervertebral disc tissue