The spinal discs
Intervertebral discs · disci intervertebrales
Cushions of cartilage between your vertebrae that let your spine bend and absorb shocks.
What it does
Each disc has a tough outer ring of fibres and a soft, gel-like centre. They sit between the bodies of the vertebrae, letting the spine bend and twist while spreading loads evenly. Together they make up about a quarter of the length of your spine.
Surprising fact
You are slightly taller in the morning than at night, because the discs soak up fluid while you lie down and gradually squeeze it out during the day.
Why it matters
When the outer ring tears, the soft centre can bulge out and press on a nerve, a "slipped disc". Many settle with time and keeping active.
Nearby
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Sources
Drafted with AI help; awaiting a human fact-check against these sources.
Open in the 3D atlas · Suggest a correction · Not medical advice.
3D models: Z-Anatomy & BodyParts3D (CC BY-SA 4.0 / 2.1 JP). Card text CC BY 4.0.