Intervertebral Joint

Question 1

What type of joint is the intervertebral joint?

Answer 1

A symphysis joint

Secondary Cartilaginous

Question 2

\what does an intervertebral joint consist of?

Answer 2

Inferior/ superior surface of vertebral bodies
Hyaline cartilage vertebral endplate
Intervertebral disc

Question 3

What does an intervertebral disc contain?

Answer 3

Annulus Fibrosis - outer layer

Nucleus Pulposis - centre

Question 4

What are Annulus Fibrosus?

Answer 4

Ring of multiple fibres - Dense fibrous tissue
60% - 70% water
Layers of collagen fibres arranged in sheets called lamellae
Thicker towards centre of disc and in anterior and lateral portions
Thinner posteriorly
Stiff structure to resist buckling

Question 5

What are Nucleus Pulposus?

Answer 5

Semi-fluid mass of mucous material
88% water
Deformed when under pressure from any direction
Transmits applied pressure in all directions
Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (PID) when this punctures through Annulus Fibrosus

Question 6

What are the functions of the intervertebral disc?

Answer 6

Shock absorption
Allows movement and load transitioning
Stability to the spinal column
Limits excessive movements