What is the function of intervertebral disks? What are they made of?
1 Answer
Jun 1, 2017
They are cartilaginous and act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae as well as to protect the spinal cord.
Explanation:
Intervertebral discs are made of fibrocartilaginous material comprising an outer coat made of a tough material called the annulus fibrosus and an inner jelly-like mucoprotein gel called the nucleus pulposus.
When pressure is exerted on the spine through activity or shocks, the gel redistributes itself within the annulus fibrosus to distribute the impact and cushion the vertebrae.
The discs also help protect the spinal cord - the bundle of nerves that run through the spinal column.
