Spinal vertebral endplate (VEP) (VEP)

The spinal vertebral endplate is a specialized anatomical structure that serves as the interface between the vertebral body and the intervertebral disc (Fields et al., 2018). It is composed of a thin layer of hyaline cartilage and a layer of subchondral bone, which together facilitate the distribution of mechanical loads across the spine (Lotz et al., 2013). Biologically, the endplate is the primary conduit for the diffusion of nutrients, such as oxygen and glucose, from the vertebral marrow to the avascular cells of the disc (Fields et al., 2018). Damage or degeneration of the endplate, often visualized as Modic changes on MRI, is a significant contributor to degenerative disc disease and chronic low back pain (Modic et al., 1988). While the endplate itself is not a molecular receptor or enzyme, it is a critical site for therapeutic interventions, including regenerative therapies and local drug delivery aimed at slowing disc decay (Lotz et al., 2013). Its structural integrity is essential for preventing disc herniation and maintaining the metabolic homeostasis of the spinal column (Fields et al., 2018).

Other names

Vertebral endplateCartilaginous endplateBony endplateCEP

Not applicable (Anatomical structure)