Between the vertebral bones of the spine is an intervertebral disc. The discs provide a cushion or shock absorber for the spine. Each disc is made up of two parts. The center, called the nucleus, is spongy.
appeals court - a court whose jurisdiction is to review decisions of lower courts or agencies. appellate court, court of appeals. court, judicature, tribunal - an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business. circuit court of appeals - one of the twelve federal United States courts of appeals that cover a group of states known as a `circuit'.
Appeals courts consist of three judges and do not use a jury. A court of appeals hears challenges to district court decisions from courts located within its circuit, as well as appeals from decisions of federal administrative agencies. In addition, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has nationwide jurisdiction to hear appeals in specialized cases, such as those involving patent laws, and cases decided by the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims ...