intervertebral disc

intervertebral disc A disk-shaped piece of specialized tissue that separates the bones of the spinal column. Intervertebral discs form the intervertebral joints and provide protection and shock absorbing functions for the spine. The center of a disc, called the nucleus, is soft, springy, and receives the shock of standing, walking, running, etc. The outer ring of the disc, called the annulus (Latin for ring), provides structure and strength to the disc. The intervertebral discs are susceptible to degenerative changes associated with wear and tear or aging, and a disc can herniate or rupture. A herniated disc is often referred to as a slipped disc. This term comes from the action of the nuclear tissue when it is forced from the center of the disc. The nuclear tissue located in the center of the disc can be placed under so much pressure that it can cause the annulus to rupture. When the disc has herniated or ruptured, it may create pressure against one or more of the spinal nerves, which can cause pain, weakness, or numbness. Also known as intervertebral disk.