Definition

Noun: A soft, compressible, fibrocartilaginous structure located between the vertebrae (bones) of the spine. Its primary function is to act as a shock absorber, cushioning the vertebrae during movement and providing flexibility to the spinal column.

Usage

The term "intervertebral disc" is used in medical, anatomical, and general health contexts to refer to this specific spinal structure. It is often discussed in relation to back pain, injury, or degeneration. - The MRI scan revealed a herniated intervertebral disc pressing on a nerve root. - With age, the intervertebral discs can lose hydration and become less flexible.

Advanced Usage

• Disc pathology: The term is central to describing various spinal conditions.
  • The patient's sciatica was caused by a bulging intervertebral disc.
• Anatomical description: Used to specify location within the spine.
  • The L4-L5 intervertebral disc is a common site for herniation.

Variants and Related Words

• Spinal disc: A common synonym.
• Disc (in medical context): Often used as a shortened, informal form of "intervertebral disc."
  • The surgeon performed a discectomy to remove the damaged disc.
• Intervertebral disc disease: A general term for conditions affecting the disc.
• Nucleus pulposus: The soft, gelatinous inner core of the intervertebral disc.
• Annulus fibrosus: The tough, fibrous outer ring of the intervertebral disc.

Synonyms

• Spinal disc
• Vertebral disc

Related Phrases (Anatomical/Medical)

• Disc herniation: Condition where part of the disc's inner material pushes out through a tear in the outer layer.
• Disc degeneration: The wear-and-tear breakdown of an intervertebral disc.
• Disc space: The space between two vertebrae occupied by the intervertebral disc.

Noun

1. a fibrocartilaginous disc serving as a cushion between all of the vertebrae of the spinal column (except between the first two)