Intervertebral disc

  • The annulus fibrosus (AF)
    • Surrounds the nucleus pulposus (NP)
    • Concentric layers of fibrocartilage
    • Consists mainly of collagen
    • Each fibrous layer is at right angles to the adjacent layer
    • This gives tensile strength
  • Nucleus pulposus (NP)
    • Has gel like structure and properties
    • Due to very high proteoglycan content
    • Withstands compression
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