What serves are shock absorbers in the spinal column?

Intervertebral disks: These flat, round cushions sit between the vertebrae and act as the spine’s shock absorbers. Each disk has a soft, gel-like center (the nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a flexible outer ring (the annulus).

What are the names of the discs in your back?

The vertebrae are numbered and divided into regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx (Fig. 2). Only the top 24 bones are moveable; the vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are fused. The vertebrae in each region have unique features that help them perform their main functions.

What is intervertebral disc?

The intervertebral discs provide cushioning between vertebrae and absorb pressure put on the spine. While the discs in the lower (lumbar ) region of the spine are most often affected in intervertebral disc disease, any part of the spine can have disc degeneration.

Do the intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers in your back?

Intervertebral discs are located between each vertebra from C2-C3 to L5-S1. Combined, they make up one fourth the height of the spinal column. The discs act as shock absorbers to the loads placed on the spine and allow movement of the spine.

How is the back of the body a shock absorber?

Spine Anatomy: Your Back as a Shock Absorber. At birth, the human spine is composed of 33 interlocking bones that stack upon each other at a slight angle to form the spine’s S-shaped curve. This distinctive curvature helps the spine act as a shock absorber while still supporting the body’s weight when we move.

What makes the spinal disc a shock absorber?

The spinal discs have the tough fibrous tissue in the center which acts as the shock absorbers. The impact by our movements which can affect the skull is absorbed by the spinal disc.

How does the annulus function as a shock absorber?

The annulus is actually a strong ligament that connects each vertebra together. The mushy nucleus of the disc serves as the main shock absorber. The nucleus is made up of tissue that is very moist because it has high water content. The water content helps the disc act like a shock absorber – somewhat like a waterbed mattress.

What are the discs between the vertebrae made of?

The intervertebral discs are flat, round “cushions” that act as shock absorbers between each vertebra in your spine. There is one disc between each vertebra. Each disc has a strong outer ring of fibers called the annulus, and a soft, jelly-like center called the nucleus pulposus.