Which structure is described as having gradual differentiation from the nucleus, fibrous tissue in concentric laminated bands, with fibers in the same direction within a band and opposite directions in adjacent bands?

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Lamellar organization with alternating fiber directions in the annulus fibrosus provides multi-directional strength. In the intervertebral disc, the annulus fibrosus forms several concentric layers around the nucleus pulposus. Within each layer, collagen fibers run in a consistent direction, but neighboring layers have fibers oriented in the opposite direction. This alternating pattern lets the disc resist twisting and shear forces effectively, while the outer layers gradually differentiate from the nucleus toward the periphery. The nucleus pulposus is the gelatinous center for compression, the endplate is a cartilage interface, and the vertebral body is bone—none show this distinctive laminated, alternating fiber arrangement.