What is Intervertebral Disc?

      The disc is a structure located between the spinal bones (vertebrae). Because it's found between the vertebrae it's officially called the intervertebral (inter= between, vertebral= the vertebrae) disc.

      The disc is made up of two parts: a tough fibrous outer ring (called the annular fibrosus) and the gel-like center (the nucleus pulposus).

Functions

The intervertebral disc performs many functions:

1. It separates the vertebrae. 
2. It acts like a shock absorber between the bones. 
3. It helps give the spine its curves and also joins the vertebrae together. 

      There are 23 discs in our spinal column. In fact, in the morning we are about a quarter inch to a half inch taller than we were the night before because the discs lose fluid after a day of standing and thin out a little, causing us to lose some height.

Related information:

The Disc and Spinal Pain