Question

Intervertebral disc is found in the vertebral column of:-
A. birds
B. reptiles.
C. mammals
D. amphibians

Answer 1

Hint: Intervertebral discs are composed of a nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosus. This annulus is like a radial tire which is made up of lamellae, which are concentric sheets of collagen fibers connected to vertebral end plates lying between the adjacent surface of vertebrae.

Complete answer:
The inter vertebral are found in mammals and this disc acts as a shock absorber in between the vertebrae and spinal column to keep the vertebrae separate. It shows a specific function for protecting the nerves that are run from the brain and spine. 23 numbers of intervertebral discs are found in the human spine; these are cartilaginous in nature. They are involved in formation of strong joints and allow various movements of columns.

This kind of disc is absent in reptiles, birds and amphibians but present in mammals like humans. Some serious trouble occurs if this Intervertebral disc gets damaged or dislocated. Slipped disc or spinal disc herniation occurs when mechanical pressure during physical exercise that deforms the annulus fibrosus and part of the nucleus obstructs. Another kind of slipped disc of nucleus pulposus occurs due to the formation of Schmorl’s node on the intervertebral disc.

Scoliosis is another kind of spinal cord disorder that affects the morphology of intervertebral disc, which leads to chronic pain. In this spine disorder the spine appears as S-shaped, that deformed the posture of the body.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The Intervertebral disc tissue is surrounded by a gelatinous core called nucleus pulposus. The largest and thickest Intervertebral discs are present in the lumbar region of the spinal cord, because vertebrae carry bulk of body weight while thin in the upper thoracic region.