Structure and function of the lumbar intervertebral disk in health, aging,and pathologic conditions

This report is a comprehensive review of the basic and clinical science rel ating to the morphology and function of the intervertebral disc of the lumb ar spine. The purpose is to review the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanic s of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine in health, with aging, and in pathologic conditions. The complex morphology and ultrastructure of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine in the human provide the critical elements that permit normal mobility and transmission of force through the vertebral column. Alterations in this structure are manifest in a variety o f clinical conditions routinely encountered in orthopaedic physical therapy practice. These structural and biomechanical changes are related to degene rative changes that occur in association with aging and trauma. Knowledge o f the gross morphology and ultrastructure of the intervertebral disc and pa thobiologic processes underlying associated conditions is essential to orth opaedic practice.