Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is an intricate collection of connective tissues of disparate structure and function, which collectively act as a weight-bearing cushion between the bony vertebrae of the spine. The outer region of the IVD is the annulus fibrosus (AF), a collagen-rich tissue consisting of successive layers or lamellae which contain the hoop stresses generated in the IVD upon axial compression of the spine, these provide the AF with tensile properties which aid in the dissipation of these compressive loads . The AF encloses the central region of the IVD, the nucleus pulposus (NP) which is a gelatinous tissue (at least in infancy) rich in proteoglycans (aggrecan) that imbibe water and provide hydrodynamic weight bearing properties to the composite IVD.
Highlights
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is an intricate collection of connective tissues of disparate structure and function, which collectively act as a weight-bearing cushion between the bony vertebrae of the spine [1]
The outer region of the IVD is the annulus fibrosus (AF), a collagen-rich tissue consisting of successive layers or lamellae which contain the hoop stresses generated in the IVD upon axial compression of the spine, these provide the AF with tensile properties which aid in the dissipation of these compressive loads [2]
The cells of the cartilaginous endplates (CEP) have rounded chondrocyte-like morphologies and are surrounded by a glassy hyaline cartilaginous matrix which merges with the fibrocartilaginous nucleus pulposus (NP) and AF and the bone of the vertebral body
Summary
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is an intricate collection of connective tissues of disparate structure and function, which collectively act as a weight-bearing cushion between the bony vertebrae of the spine [1]. The outer region of the IVD is the annulus fibrosus (AF), a collagen-rich tissue consisting of successive layers or lamellae which contain the hoop stresses generated in the IVD upon axial compression of the spine, these provide the AF with tensile properties which aid in the dissipation of these compressive loads [2]. The AF encloses the central region of the IVD, the nucleus pulposus (NP) which is a gelatinous tissue (at least in infancy) rich in proteoglycans (aggrecan) that imbibe water and provide hydrodynamic weight bearing properties to the composite. The cells of the CEP have rounded chondrocyte-like morphologies and are surrounded by a glassy hyaline cartilaginous matrix which merges with the fibrocartilaginous NP and AF and the bone of the vertebral body
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.