Annulus fibrosus
Annulus fibrosus is a component of the intervertebral disc, which is located between the vertebrae in the spine. It is a ring-like structure that surrounds the nucleus pulposus, providing strength and flexibility to the spine.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The annulus fibrosus is composed of several layers, or lamellae, of fibrocartilage. These layers are made up of water, collagen, and proteoglycans. The collagen provides strength and structure, while the proteoglycans attract and hold water, providing resistance to compression.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the annulus fibrosus is to contain the nucleus pulposus, preventing it from herniating or leaking out of the disc space. It also serves as a ligament that connects the vertebrae together, providing stability to the spine. Additionally, the annulus fibrosus has a role in transmitting loads across the vertebral column.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Damage or degeneration of the annulus fibrosus can lead to a number of spinal conditions. These include disc herniation, where the nucleus pulposus leaks out through tears in the annulus fibrosus, and degenerative disc disease, where the annulus fibrosus becomes weakened or damaged over time. Both conditions can cause pain and other symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the damage.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD