What is "intervertebral disc"

alt. (context anatomy English) A disc between the vertebra in the spine. n. (context anatomy English) A disc between the vertebra in the spine.

n. a fibrocartilaginous disc serving as a cushion between all of the vertebrae of the spinal column (except between the first two) [syn: intervertebral disk]

An intervertebral disc (or intervertebral fibrocartilage) lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column. Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphysis), to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, and acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together. Their role as shock absorbers in the spine is crucial.