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The discs have a tough outer covering of cartilage that provides support (the annulus fibrosus) and a soft, jellylike center that provides the cushioning (the nucleus pulposus). The intervertebral discs have the following functions: They provide cushioning for the vertebrae and reduce the stress caused by impact. By keeping the vertebrae separated from each other, they act as a type of shock absorber for the spine.
The disc has a thick outer layer (annulus) that surrounds the soft gel-like center (nucleus). Intervertebral discs act as cushions in between vertebrae. The spinal canal, containing the spinal nerves, lies directly behind the disc and the vertebral bodies.