nucleus pulposus
anatomy
Quick Summary
The nucleus pulposus is the soft, central part of an intervertebral disk. It is a highly elastic body made of connective tissue, surrounded by a tough, fibrous ring called the anulus fibrosus. This structure acts as a shock absorber for the spine, cushioning the vertebrae and allowing for movement between them. The nucleus pulposus is composed of a jelly-like material containing cells derived from the embryo's notochord. As people age, the fibrous ring becomes more prominent, and the nucleus pulposus shrinks.12
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