Which term refers to the inner portion of the disc that tends to desiccate?

Which term refers to the inner portion of the disc that tends to desiccate?

• A. Intervertebral Disc Matrix
• B. Cartilaginous End Plate
• C. Nucleus Pulposus
• D. Annulus Fibrosus

Answer: (C)

The nucleus pulposus is the inner gelatinous core of the intervertebral disc, and it tends to desiccate as its water content decreases with age or degeneration. This central region is normally highly hydrated, maintained by proteoglycans, which gives the disc its ability to absorb and distribute compressive loads. When it loses water, the nucleus becomes less hydrated and the disc loses height and resilience. The annulus fibrosus is the tough outer ring that contains the nucleus, while the cartilaginous end plates connect the disc to the adjacent vertebrae. The term disc matrix isn’t used to describe this inner core, so the nucleus pulposus best fits the description of the hydrated, inner portion that desiccates.

The nucleus pulposus is the inner gelatinous core of the intervertebral disc, and it tends to desiccate as its water content decreases with age or degeneration. This central region is normally highly hydrated, maintained by proteoglycans, which gives the disc its ability to absorb and distribute compressive loads. When it loses water, the nucleus becomes less hydrated and the disc loses height and resilience. The annulus fibrosus is the tough outer ring that contains the nucleus, while the cartilaginous end plates connect the disc to the adjacent vertebrae. The term disc matrix isn’t used to describe this inner core, so the nucleus pulposus best fits the description of the hydrated, inner portion that desiccates.