Intervertebral Disc

Description

Cross-sectional anatomy centers on a lumbar vertebral body capped superiorly by an intervertebral disc, with the annulus fibrosus forming concentric lamellae of fibrocartilage around a central nucleus pulposus. Anteriorly, the vertebral body cortex and endplate contour frame the disc, while posteriorly the pedicles lead into the vertebral arch, ending at the spinous process and enclosing the vertebral foramen. Transverse processes project laterally from the junction of pedicles and laminae, orienting the viewer to left and right. The disc sits directly superior to the vertebral body, its outer ring thicker peripherally and the nucleus more centrally placed. Disc architecture is the clinical point. Radial fissures and posterior annular thinning help explain why posterolateral herniations are common, where the exiting nerve root in the adjacent intervertebral foramen can be irritated, classically producing L5 or S1 radiculopathy in lumbar disease. Endplate integrity matters too, since disc nutrition depends on diffusion across the cartilaginous endplate, and degenerative disc disease often begins with endplate changes before height loss and osteophytes become obvious. Small structures, big symptoms. Use this artwork for teaching spinal biomechanics in gross anatomy, orthopedics, or physical therapy curricula, and for illustrating disc degeneration, annular tear, and nucleus pulposus migration in radiology or spine surgery texts where a clean cross-section clarifies MRI findings. It also suits patient-facing materials on lumbar disc herniation and postoperative counseling after microdiscectomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.