3 The Biochemistry and Physiology of the Intervertebral Disk

Low-back pain, its origin and risk indicators.

“…The disc is composed of two morphologically different parts, the annulus fibrosus and the semigelatinous nucleus pulposus. In children the discs are vascularized, but an adult's discs are avascular (40). Nutrition of a disc takes place by diffusion through cartilaginous end plates opposing the vertebral bodies and the annulus (41)(42).…”

Application of a Semiautomated Contour Segmentation Tool to Identify the Intervertebral Nucleus Pulposus in MR Images

“…The NP contains primarily type II collagen fibrils and proteoglycans, which attract water. 1 Therefore, the healthy NP is considered to have higher water content than the AF. This is reflected on T2WI as a difference in image intensities, in which the NP has high signal intensity and appears bright, while the AF has low signal intensity and appears dark.…”

Analysis of Long Bone and Vertebral Failure Patterns

“…Samples sectioned in the anterior-posterior direction revealed more deformation than laterally sectioned samples due to the plan of interlace obliquely in an alternating fashion as they span the joint space (Eyring, 1969). The annulus inserts on the cartilaginous plates, bone of the body, and the longitudinal ligaments.…”

“…Fibers have been reported to pass from the nucleus pulposus (Eyring, 1969) iä plate (Spurling, 1953). In adolescents, peripheral radial grooves are present on the surface of the body beneath the cartilaginous plate.…”

“…Small pores have been re^rted to perforate the plate (Eyring, 1969). Blood vessels penetrate the plate i"!…”