Tags: Anatomical Structure.
Each intervertebral fibrocartilage is composed at its circumference of laminae of fibrous tissue and fibrocartilage forming the anulus fibrosus disci intervertebralis. The lamellae are stiff and sustain compressive loads. The stiffness of the anulus fibrosus works in concert with the gel-like nucleus pulposus to equalise pressure across the disc. This prevents development of stress concentrations which could cause damage to the underlying vertebrae or vertebral endplates.
