annulus fibrosus

The tough fibrous outer zone of the intervertebral disc that normally retains the soft inner nucleus pulposus. Weakness of the annulus fibrosus allows prolapse of the pulpy centre in the condition inaccurately known as ‘slipped disc’.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Mentioned in

anulus fibrosus of intervertebral disc
calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
disc herniation
Ebstein's anomaly
herniated disk
intervertebral disc
noncontained disc herniation
nucleus pulposus
prolapsed intervertebral disc

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