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Lumbar intervertebral disc

Molecular classification: Other (anatomical structure; a composite tissue rather than a single molecule or protein)

Overview

The **lumbar intervertebral disc** occupies the space between each pair of lumbar vertebral bodies (L1-L5). Each disc is composed of a tough outer *annulus fibrosus* (fibrous ring) and a central *nucleus pulposus* (gelatinous core), bordered above and below by cartilaginous endplates[1][2][4][8]. These discs function as shock absorbers, cushion the vertebral bodies, prevent friction, and allow for spinal flexibility. While their degeneration or injury is a major cause of lower back pain and related neurological symptoms, the "lumbar intervertebral space" itself is not a direct drug target but rather an anatomical location important in numerous spine-related diseases. Therapy is aimed at relieving symptoms or surgically correcting structural pathology rather than molecular interaction with the space itself[3][9].

Other names: Lumbar discIntervertebral disc of the lumbar spineLumbar disk

Biological functions

Shock absorptionSpine flexibility and movementPrevention of vertebral frictionLoad distribution in the spinal columnMaintenance of vertebral spacing to permit nerve exit

Disease associations

Degenerative disc diseaseDisc herniation ("slipped disc")Lower back painSciatica (secondary to nerve compression from disc pathology)Stenosis (secondary to disc bulge)

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