Random facts about anatomy and physiology of your intervertebral discs: The intervertebral disks (IVD’s) are classified as ligaments of the vertebral column. There are 23 intervertebral disks in the human vertebral column. C1-C2 - the first two vertebrae do not have a disc. The first disc is between the vertebral bodies of axis (C2) and the third cervical vertebra (C3). The last IVD is between the fifth lumbar and sacral base. IVD’s are largest and thickest in the lumbar region and smallest and thinnest in the cervical spine. In the cervical and lumbar regions the IVD’s are also thicker at the anterior due to the secondary lordotic curve in these areas. The anterior- posterior thickness of the disks in the thoracic spine is equal. The disks are adherent to thin layers of hyaline cartilage which cover the superior and inferior surfaces of the vertebral bodies. They are also attached to the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. The disks are further attached to the heads of ribs two through nine in the thoracic spine. So, if you sneeze consecutively, you can irritate a disc. The outermost portion of the disc consists of fibrous tissues, called ―Sharpy’s fibers, and the other layers are white fibro cartilage. There are six functions attributed to the IVD’s: (1) they act as shock absorbers to the body; (2) they attach the vertebral bodies together; (3) they give shape to the vertebral column by forming the secondary curves; (4) they are powerful ligaments; (5) they separate vertebral bodies; (6) they form the anterior wall of the intervertebral foramina.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 05:26:48 +0000
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