Answer
Intervertebral discs (IVDs) are pads of cushioning tissue that lie between adjacent vertebrae. There are 23 IVDs; the first one is between vertebrae C2 and Cr3; the last one is between the last lumbar vertebra (L5) and the sacrum. The intervertebral disc has an outer capsule of fibrocartilage --anulus fibrosus-- within which is a central mass of jelly-like material-- the nucleus pulposus.
Work Step by Step
The following are some functions of intervertebral discs:
They help to bind adjacent vertebrae together
They help to support the weight of the body
They serve as shock absorbers
Excessive pressure on the vertebral column can result in herniated discs, a condition in which the anilus is cracked and allows the jelly of the nucleus pulposus to be squeezed out. The so-called slipped disc may put pressure on the spinal cord or adjacent spinal nerves. The result would be pain of varying degrees of severity for the subject/victim.
