Which part of the intervertebral disc is described as a centrally located mucoprotein gel with 70-90% water content?

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Multiple Choice

Which part of the intervertebral disc is described as a centrally located mucoprotein gel with 70-90% water content?

The nucleus pulposus is the central gel-like core of the intervertebral disc. Its matrix is rich in proteoglycans that attract and hold a large amount of water, giving it a mucoprotein, hydrated gel appearance with about 70–90% water content. This high hydration creates hydrostatic pressure that helps the disc resist compressive loads and distribute forces evenly when the spine bears weight. Located at the center, it is surrounded by the tougher annulus fibrosus, which contains the core and maintains its shape under tension. The other structures—endplates (cartilage layers at the disc interfaces with the vertebral bodies), and the vertebral body itself (bone) or the annulus fibrosus (outer fibrous ring)—do not match this central, highly hydrated gel description.

The nucleus pulposus is the central gel-like core of the intervertebral disc. Its matrix is rich in proteoglycans that attract and hold a large amount of water, giving it a mucoprotein, hydrated gel appearance with about 70–90% water content. This high hydration creates hydrostatic pressure that helps the disc resist compressive loads and distribute forces evenly when the spine bears weight. Located at the center, it is surrounded by the tougher annulus fibrosus, which contains the core and maintains its shape under tension. The other structures—endplates (cartilage layers at the disc interfaces with the vertebral bodies), and the vertebral body itself (bone) or the annulus fibrosus (outer fibrous ring)—do not match this central, highly hydrated gel description.

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