INTERVERTEBRAL DISC (IVD) are located between the concave articular surfaces of the vertebral body endplates. IVDs form the most important and unique articulating system in the spine, allowing for multiplanar motion.
Intervertebral discs have no significant vascular structures. Instead, they receive their blood supply by diffusion through the vertebral body endplates. A network of vessels located centrally in the endplate allows nutrients to diffuse into the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. Damage to the endplates through injury or disease process may decrease the diffusion of nutrients to the disc with resulting degradation of the disc.
Did You Know That You Are Taller in the Morning?
The upright position of normal posture creates a compression effect on intervertebral discs. This high pressure drives out some of the water content in the nucleus pulposus, decreasing the intervertebral height a few millimetres at each level. However, resting in the horizontal position, the intervertebral discs are relieved of the compressive forces, and water returns to the nucleus pulposus. Intervertebral height is recovered, up to 1.5-2.0 cm in the total length of the spine.
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your orthopedic doctors for diagnosis and treatment.
