Question

Todd's father slipped a disk in his back. Dr. Foster explained to the family that the intervertebral disks are composed of ________.
A. elastic cartilage.
B. hyaline cartilage.
C. composite cartilage.
D. fibrocartilage.
E. bone.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Fibrocartilage

Explanation:

In order to understand the question, we need to review the structure of intervertebral discs.

Intervertebral discs consist of two parts:

• NUCLEUS PULPOSUS:

It forms the central part of the intervertebral disc and consists of mucoid substance.

• ANNULUS FIBROSUS:

It is composed of encircling layers of fibrocartilage and fibrous tissue surrounding the nucleus pulposus

SLIPPED DISC:

It is characterized by the protrusion of nucleus pulposus through the annulus fibrosus accompanied by the compression of spinal nerves.

Patient may present with loss of sensory sensations or pain or both.

CORRECT ANSWER:

From the above review, the correct answer is D. fibrocartilage as it forms the annulus fibrosus.