Where is the intervertebral?
An intervertebral disc (or intervertebral fibrocartilage) lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column. Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphysis), to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, to act as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together, and to function as a shock absorber for the spine.
What is the function of intervertebral?
The inter- vertebral disc serves primarily to allow movement between adjacent vertebral bodies, to absorb shock, and to transmit loads through the vertebral column. The complex morphology and structure of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine reflects these functions.
What is in intervertebral disc?
The vertebral column provides protection to the spinal cord that runs through its central cavity. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disk. The disks are filled with a gelatinous substance, called the nucleus pulposus, which provides cushioning to the spinal column.
What is vertebral and intervertebral?
A vertebral disc is the shock-absorbing structure between each vertebra. The disc has a thick outer layer (annulus) that surrounds the soft gel-like center (nucleus). Intervertebral discs act as cushions in between vertebrae.
What are vertebrae?
The vertebrae (back bones) of the spine include the cervical spine (C1-C7), thoracic spine (T1-T12), lumbar spine (L1-L5), sacral spine (S1-S5), and the tailbone. Each vertebra is separated by a disc. The vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord.
What is a vertebral body?
The vertebral body is the main portion of the vertebra. It bears about 80 percent of the load while standing and provides an attachment for the discs between the vertebrae. The front or anterior section of the vertebral body protects the spinal cord and nerve roots.
What causes spinal disc problems?
Disc protrusions (often called ‘herniated’, ‘bulging’ or ‘prolapsed’ discs) are often found in people without back pain. Risk factors for developing disc changes include older age, obesity, lack of exercise and lifting heavy loads.
What are intervertebral joints?
The intervertebral joints connect directly adjacent vertebrae of the vertebral column. Each intervertebral joint is a complex of three separate joints; an intervertebral disc joint (intervertebral symphysis) and two zygapophyseal (facet) joints.
What does intervertebral mean in medical terms?
Definition of intervertebral : situated or occurring between vertebrae of the spinal column Gelatin-filled intervertebral discs normally cushion the bones of the back, but sometimes a disc ruptures and bulges outward.— Adam Rogers intervertebral foramina.
Is vertebrae and spine the same?
Many different parts make up your spine: Vertebrae: The spine has 33 stacked vertebrae (small bones) that form the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a tunnel that houses the spinal cord and nerves, protecting them from injury. Most vertebrae move to allow for a range of motion.
Is spine and backbone the same?
The backbone encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Also called spinal column, spine, and vertebral column.
What are the 3 main parts of a vertebra?
The spine has three normal curves: cervical, thoracic and lumbar.
What are the signs of disc problems?
Symptoms of disc problems
- back pain.
- increased back pain when repetitively bending or with prolonged sitting.
- increased back pain with coughing, sneezing, laughing or straining.
- pain, numbness or pins-and-needles radiating into an arm or leg if a disc has caused irritation of a nearby nerve.
What bones make up the intervertebral joints?
The meeting points of the upper and lower spinal bones that comprise an intervertebral joint are the vertebral body in front and the vertebral arch in the back.
How many intervertebral joints are there?
three intervertebral joints
There are three intervertebral joints between each adjacent vertebra from the axis to the sacrum – one between the vertebral bodies and a pair between the facets of adjoining vertebral arches (zygapophysial joints, also called facet joints).
What happens when the discs in your back wear away?
Everyone’s spinal disks degenerate over time and is a normal part of aging. When the cushions wear away, the bones can start to rub together. This contact can cause pain and other problems, such as: Adult scoliosis, where the spine curves.
What is the medical term for lower back pain?
Low back pain (LBP) or lumbago is a common disorder involving the muscles, nerves, and bones of the back, in between the lower edge of the ribs and the lower fold of the buttocks.