Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide

9.4 Intervertebral Discs Each vertebra is separated and cushioned by pads of fibrous cartilage called intervertebral discs. Each intervertebral disc has a tough outer layer of fibrous cartilage called the annulus fibrosus . The collagen fibers of this layer attach the disc to the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. The annulus fibrosus surrounds the nucleus pulposus. The nucleus pulposus gives the disc resiliency and enables it to absorb shocks. Movement of the vertebral column compresses the nucleus pulposus and displaces it in the opposite direction. This displacement permits smooth gliding movements between vertebrae while maintaining their alignment. 9.5 Intervertebral Ligaments Numerous ligaments are attached to the bodies and processes of all vertebrae, binding them together and stabilizing the vertebral column. There are five ligaments interconnecting adjacent vertebrae. These ligaments include the anterior longitudinal ligament that connects the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies, the posterior longitudinal ligament (which parallels the anterior longitudinal ligament posteriorly), the ligamentum flavum (which connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae), the interspinous ligament that connects the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae, and the supraspinous ligament, which interconnects the tips of the spinous process.

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