intervertebral disc

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intervertebral disc (inter-ver-tib-răl) n. the flexible plate of fibrocartilage that connects any two adjacent vertebrae in the backbone. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers, protecting the brain and spinal cord from the impact produced by running and other movements. i. d. tear a tear in the fibrous outer portion of the disc, resulting in displacement of the inner gelatinous nucleus pulposus to varying degrees. See also prolapsed intervertebral disc.

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