< b>Herniated disc: Rupturing of the tissue that separates the vertebral
bones of the spinal column.
The center of the disc, which is called the nucleus, is soft, springy and receives
the shock of standing, walking, running, etc. The outer ring of the disc, which
is called the annulus (Latin for ring), provides structure and strength to the disc.
The annulus consists of a complex series of interwoven layers of fibrous tissue
that hold the nucleus in place.
A herniated disc is often referred to as a slipped disc. This term came from
the action of the nuclear tissue when it is forced from the center of the disc.
The nuclear tissue located in the center of the disc can be placed under so much
pressure that it can cause the annulus to rupture.
When the disc has herniated or ruptured, it may create pressure against one or
more of the spinal nerves which can cause pain, weakness or numbness in the neck
and arm. Other names for herniated discs are prolapsed and ruptured discs.
medical
dictionary, online medical dictionary, medical
terminology dictionary, free online medical
dictionary, medical dictionary, online medical
dictionary, medical terminology dictionary, free
online medical dictionary, dictionary medical,
dictionary medical online, dictionary medical
terminology, dictionary free medical online,
dictionary free medical, dictionary medical
terms, dictionary drug medical medicine,
dictionary health illustrated medical nursing
profession stedmans, dictionary English medical,
dictionary medical online terminology,
dictionary encyclopedia medical online,
condition dictionary medical, dictionary
medical, dictionary drug medical, medical
dictionary software, cyclopedic dictionary index
medical tabers thumb, medical dictionary, online
medical dictionary, medical terminology
dictionary
