Anatomic.us > Nervous System > Cervical Vertebrae

Disc Annulus

Intervertebral discs lie in between adjacent Vertebrae in spine. Each of these discs form Cartilaginous Joint allowing the slight movement and act as a ligament to hold the Vertebrae. Each of this Intervertebral Fibrocartilage (Intervertebral Discs) is composed of Laminae (plate) of fibrous tissues and Fibrocartilage resulting in Fibrosus Annulus.

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Disc Annulus


ANATOMY

A gel like Nucleus Pulposus gives stiffness to the Annulus to balance the pressure across the disc. It has a tire like Periphery (boundary of an area) known as Annulus Fibrosus.  This gives protection against stress concentrations which can result in damage to the underlying Vertebrae or Vertebral Endplates. The Annulus consists of Collagen (Structural protein for various connective tissues) of both, Type I and Type II. The Type I collagen Increases its concentration towards the Periphery of the Annulus whereas Type II Collagen conversely increases its concentration in the center of the Disc.

Fibers of the Annulus run between Vertebrae arranged mainly in concentric layers. Some of the annular fibers extend across the Cartilage edge plate to enter the body of bone as Sharpey’s Fibers (bone fibers) at Periphery.

 

INNERVATION

Outer rings of Annulus have neural fibers. These Neuronal Fibers branch out dorsally of Sinuvertebral Nerve (small nerves branching from Spinal nerve near the origin of Rami). Passing Anterolaterally over the vertebral bodies Ventral nerves branch out from Sympathetic Chain.

 

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Due to aging, the ability of Annulus to contain nucleus Pulposus is decreased causing a weakening and drying phenomenon that occurs in all discs. The Phenomenon is known as Degenerative Disc Disease. The Annulus of disc is made of sheets of Collagen and Lamellae which are strong and pliable. However the Annulus tends to lose the strength with aging causing Annular Tears. Annular Tear is a hole or rip in the layers of Annulus Fibrosus. Intervertebral discs are the cushions between bones of spine acting as Shock absorbers and allowing the spine to bend in many directions. When the gel like substance of the nucleus leaks causing enzymes in it, flow out through Annulus. These enzymes reach the Peripheral layers with many nerve endings. Then a strong inflammatory chemical reaction takes place causing pain and felt as a Tear. If there is no Herniation of the Disc Annular tears can be treated by hot or cold compresses, exercise and pain medication. Other treatments include:

  • Epidural Injections

  • Hydrotherapy

  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

  • Deep tissue massage



ANATOMY

A gel like Nucleus Pulposus gives stiffness to the Annulus to balance the pressure across the disc. It has a tire like Periphery (boundary of an area) known as Annulus Fibrosus.  This gives protection against stress concentrations which can result in damage to the underlying Vertebrae or Vertebral Endplates. The Annulus consists of Collagen (Structural protein for various connective tissues) of both, Type I and Type II. The Type I collagen Increases its concentration towards the Periphery of the Annulus whereas Type II Collagen conversely increases its concentration in the center of the Disc.

Fibers of the Annulus run between Vertebrae arranged mainly in concentric layers. Some of the annular fibers extend across the Cartilage edge plate to enter the body of bone as Sharpey’s Fibers (bone fibers) at Periphery.

 

INNERVATION

Outer rings of Annulus have neural fibers. These Neuronal Fibers branch out dorsally of Sinuvertebral Nerve (small nerves branching from Spinal nerve near the origin of Rami). Passing Anterolaterally over the vertebral bodies Ventral nerves branch out from Sympathetic Chain.

 

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Due to aging, the ability of Annulus to contain nucleus Pulposus is decreased causing a weakening and drying phenomenon that occurs in all discs. The Phenomenon is known as Degenerative Disc Disease. The Annulus of disc is made of sheets of Collagen and Lamellae which are strong and pliable. However the Annulus tends to lose the strength with aging causing Annular Tears. Annular Tear is a hole or rip in the layers of Annulus Fibrosus. Intervertebral discs are the cushions between bones of spine acting as Shock absorbers and allowing the spine to bend in many directions. When the gel like substance of the nucleus leaks causing enzymes in it, flow out through Annulus. These enzymes reach the Peripheral layers with many nerve endings. Then a strong inflammatory chemical reaction takes place causing pain and felt as a Tear. If there is no Herniation of the Disc Annular tears can be treated by hot or cold compresses, exercise and pain medication. Other treatments include:

  • Epidural Injections

  • Hydrotherapy

  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

  • Deep tissue massage

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