Intervertebral Disc: Functions

Question 1

What are the functions of the intervertebral disc?

Answer 1

• to attach the vertebral bodies to each other
• to separate the vertebral bodies from each other
• to help shape the spine
• to act as a ligament
• to form part of the anterior boundary of the vertebral column and intervertebral foramen
• to function as a shock absorber
• to distribute weight over a maximum surface area

Question 2

How does the intervertebral disc attach to the vertebral body?

Answer 2

Sharpey’s fibers from the outer lamellae of the annulus fibrosus are firmly embedded into the epiphyseal rims of the adjacent vertebral bodies

Question 3

In what regions of the vertebral column is the space formed between vertebral bodies by the intervertebral disc the greatest?

Answer 3

the cervical and lumbar regions

Question 4

Which curve direction will be associated with the greatest space observed between vertebral bodies?

Answer 4

the lordotic curve or anterior curve

Question 5

How does the intervertebral disc help shape the spine?

Answer 5

the anterior height is greater than the posterior height in the cervical and lumbar regions, thus creating a lordotic or anterior curve

Question 6

What is the condition of the intervertebral disc in the thoracic spine?

Answer 6

• the anterior and posterior heights of the intervertebral disc are similar
• the curve is due to the vertebral body height differences

Question 7

What is the direction of the curve in the thoracic spine?

Answer 7

the thoracic curve is posterior or kyphotic

Question 8

What vertebral level has the most pronounced intervertebral disc height?

Answer 8

the L5 intervertebral disc

Question 9

How does the intervertebral disc act as a ligament?

Answer 9

collagen fibers from the intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus penetrate the epiphyseal rims of adjacent vertebral bodies similar to the way ligaments in general attach to bone

Question 10

What traditionally either replaces or supports the posterior annulus fibrosus?

Answer 10

the posterior longitudinal ligament

Question 11

What is the incidence of herniation of the intervertebral disc in the thoracic spine?

Answer 11

from 0.2-0.5%

Question 12

What part of the thoracic spine is most susceptible to herniation?

Answer 12

the segments below T8

Question 13

What is the response of water in the intervertebral disc to loading?

Answer 13

the water concentration will diminish in the nucleus pulposus

Question 14

What is the popular theory of intra-abdominal cavity pressure and intervertebral disc response to weight bearing?

Answer 14

increasing the intra-abdominal cavity pressure will diminish the amount of resistance the intervertebral disc needs to generate by up to 50%

Question 15

Resistance to torsion and general tensile strength are greatest in which of the vertebral couple structures?

Answer 15

the intervertebral disc

Question 16

What part of the intervertebral disc will allow distribution of weight over a maximum surface area?

Answer 16

the nucleus pulposus