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Related Concept Videos

Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction01:27

Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction

Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints01:17

Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints

As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary or...
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology01:14

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology

Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
General Structure of a Vertebra01:30

General Structure of a Vertebra

A typical vertebra, with the exception of the sacrum and coccyx, consists of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven different projections termed processes. The anterior portion of the vertebrae, the body, supports about half the body’s weight. The vertebral bodies progressively increase in size and thickness from the cervical region to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. The intervertebral discs present between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae firmly unites them, forming a continuous column.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
06:22

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration

Published on: July 8, 2021

Pathophysiology of the human intervertebral disc.

Alessandra Colombini1, Giovanni Lombardi, Massimiliano Marco Corsi

  • 1Laboratory of Cell Culture and Molecular Biology, IRCCS, Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy.

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|February 5, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Intervertebral disc degeneration, a common cause of back pain, results from extracellular matrix imbalance due to cellular senescence and abnormal loading. Advances in understanding disc biochemistry and genetics offer new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.
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A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.

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An In Vitro Organ Culture Model of the Murine Intervertebral Disc
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An In Vitro Organ Culture Model of the Murine Intervertebral Disc

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
06:22

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration

Published on: July 8, 2021

A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.
05:46

A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Published on: February 14, 2021

An In Vitro Organ Culture Model of the Murine Intervertebral Disc
08:03

An In Vitro Organ Culture Model of the Murine Intervertebral Disc

Published on: April 11, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Musculoskeletal Health
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Intervertebral disc degeneration is a prevalent, disabling condition affecting spinal mechanics.
  • The intervertebral disc's extracellular matrix (ECM), composed of proteoglycans and collagens, requires constant cell-mediated maintenance.
  • Imbalances in ECM turnover, driven by cellular senescence and chronic abnormal loading, lead to disc degeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying intervertebral disc degeneration.
  • To highlight the role of ECM homeostasis in maintaining spinal function.
  • To identify potential starting points for novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on disc biochemistry and cell biology.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to ECM imbalance, including cellular senescence and mechanical loading.
  • Examination of genetic influences on disc degeneration.

Main Results:

  • Cellular senescence and chronic abnormal loading disrupt ECM turnover, causing progressive tissue failure.
  • Understanding disc biochemistry and genetic factors is crucial for disease progression.
  • Current biological treatments are limited, but new concepts are emerging.

Conclusions:

  • Intervertebral disc degeneration is a complex process involving ECM dysregulation.
  • Advances in understanding disc biochemistry and genetics pave the way for improved diagnosis, therapy, and prevention.
  • Further research into cellular mechanisms and genetic predispositions is warranted.