During spinal extension, what happens to the nucleus pulposus?

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Multiple Choice

During spinal extension, what happens to the nucleus pulposus?

The nucleus pulposus moves toward the area of lower hydrostatic pressure inside the disc. In spinal extension, the posterior elements are compressed while the anterior portion develops relatively negative pressure, so the gel-like nucleus is drawn forward into the anterior portion. This flow is a natural response to the pressure gradient within the disc, reflecting how the nucleus redistributes under load. So, moving forward with extension aligns with the tendency of the nucleus to shift toward the anterior, rather than staying put, moving backward, widening toward the canal, or remaining stationary.

The nucleus pulposus moves toward the area of lower hydrostatic pressure inside the disc. In spinal extension, the posterior elements are compressed while the anterior portion develops relatively negative pressure, so the gel-like nucleus is drawn forward into the anterior portion. This flow is a natural response to the pressure gradient within the disc, reflecting how the nucleus redistributes under load.

So, moving forward with extension aligns with the tendency of the nucleus to shift toward the anterior, rather than staying put, moving backward, widening toward the canal, or remaining stationary.

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