Neck Pain Cervical Spine Disc Anatomy
The intervertebral disc consists of an outer anulus fibrosus, which surrounds a central nucleus pulposus
- The anulus fibrosus consists of an outer ring of collagen surrounding a wider zone of fibrocartilage arranged in a lamellar configuration. This arrangement of fibers limits rotation between vertebrae.
- The nucleus pulposus fills the center of the intervertebral disc, is gelatinous in nature, and absorbs compression forces between vertebrae.
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| Degenerative changes in the anulus fibrosus can lead to herniation of the nucleus pulposus. Posterolateral herniation can impinge on the roots of a spinal nerve in the intervertebral foramen. |
