What does the nucleus pulposus represent?

Nucleus pulposus is the inner core of the vertebral disc. The core is composed of a jelly-like material that consists of mainly water, as well as a loose network of collagen fibers. The elastic inner structure allows the vertebral disc to withstand forces of compression and torsion.

What is the common name for a herniated nucleus pulposus?

Spinal disc herniation
Other names Slipped disc, bulging disc, ruptured disc, herniated disc, prolapsed disc, herniated nucleus pulposus, lumbar Disc Herniation
Specialty Orthopedics, neurosurgery
Risk factors Connective tissue disease

What becomes the nucleus pulposus?

The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gelatinous central portion of the intervertebral disk that moves within the disk with changes in posture. In the normal disk, the nucleus pulposus moves anteriorly with lumbar extension and frequently communicates with the epidural space and surrounding structures.

What is nucleus pulposus hernia?

Herniated nucleus pulposus is a condition in which part or all of the soft, gelatinous central portion of an intervertebral disk is forced through a weakened part of the disk, resulting in back pain and nerve root irritation.

Does nucleus pulposus grow back?

To regenerate nucleus pulposus tissue, the cells must produce an appropriate proteoglycan-rich matrix, as this is essential for the functioning of the intervertebral disc. There are some clinical trials and reports of attempts to regenerate nucleus pulposus utilising either autologous or allogenic cells.

What age does nucleus pulposus dry up?

At birth, the water content of the nucleus pulposus is about 88%, and this drops to about 65–72% by the age of 75 years. However, most of this dehydration occurs during childhood and adolescence, and the water content of the nucleus pulposus decreases by only about 6% from early adult life to old age.

How long does herniated nucleus pulposus take to heal?

Nonsurgical treatments Self care: In most cases, the pain from a herniated disc will get better within a couple days and completely resolve in 4 to 6 weeks. Restricting your activity, ice/heat therapy, and taking over the counter medications will help your recovery.

Does nucleus pulposus regenerate?

What is the function of the nucleus pulposus?

Nucleus pulposus The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gelatinous central portion of the intervertebral disk that moves within the disk with changes in posture. In the normal disk, the nucleus pulposus moves anteriorly with lumbar extension and frequently communicates with the epidural space and surrounding structures.

How does the nucleus pulposus affect shock absorption?

But without the centralized nucleus pulposus, this shock absorption function is greatly diminished. The intervertebral disc moves as you move. For example, when you arch your back, the disc migrates forward a bit; when you twist, the disc twists, too.

What do you call a herniated nucleus pulposus?

This is known as herniated nucleus pulposus. A herniated nucleus pulposus is a deteriorating spine condition which can also be referred to as a ruptured disc, slipped disc, or herniated disc. It is common given the normal breakdown of the body.

Is the nucleus pulposus part of the intervertebral disc?

The nucleus pulposus is part of the intervertebral disc. It is the soft filling located in the center of the disc. It is surrounded by a strong covering consisting of 3 concentric layers of tough fibrous tissue. The covering is called the annulus fibrosus.