Intervertebral disc

Intervertebral disc
Intervertebral disc
Details
Part ofVertebral column
SystemMusculoskeletal system
FunctionFibrocartilaginous joint between spinal vertebrae
Identifiers
Latindiscus intervertebralis
MeSHD007403
TA98A03.2.02.003
TA21684
FMA10446
Anatomical terminology

An intervertebral disc (or intervertebral fibrocartilage) lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column. Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphysis), to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, to act as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together, and to function as a shock absorber for the spine.