Intervertebral discs provide what function?

• A. Cushioning between vertebrae
• B. Produce blood cells
• C. Attach muscles
• D. Provide nutrients to vertebrae

Answer: (A)

Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and allowing a small amount of flexible movement in the spine. This cushioning comes from a gel-like center (the nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a tougher ring (the annulus fibrosus), which together distribute compressive loads when you stand, walk, or bend. These discs aren’t involved in blood cell production, so they don’t attach muscles or serve as a direct source of nutrients for the vertebrae. In fact, they are largely avascular and rely on diffusion from nearby blood vessels to receive nutrients, rather than providing nutrients to the bones themselves.