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Intervertebral disc space

The intervertebral disc space refers to the interval between adjacent vertebral bodies occupied by the intervertebral disc and its associated endplates. It is a fundamental structural and functional unit of the spine, allowing mobility while transmitting axial loads between vertebrae.

The disc space is a key landmark in spinal anatomy and imaging, routinely assessed in radiography, CT, and MRI to evaluate alignment, height, and internal disc morphology.

Synonyms

  • Disc space

  • Intervertebral space

Location

  • Situated between adjacent vertebral bodies

  • Extends from the cervical spine to the lumbar spine

  • Absent between C1–C2 and fused sacral segments

  • Bounded superiorly and inferiorly by vertebral endplates

  • Located anterior to the spinal canal and posterior to the vertebral bodies

Anatomical components

  • Intervertebral disc:

    • Nucleus pulposus (central gelatinous core)

    • Annulus fibrosus (peripheral fibrocartilaginous ring)

  • Cartilaginous endplates:

    • Hyaline cartilage covering superior and inferior vertebral bodies

  • Peripheral attachments:

    • Sharpey fibers anchoring annulus to vertebral bodies

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Anterior longitudinal ligament

  • Prevertebral soft tissues

Posteriorly:

  • Posterior longitudinal ligament

  • Spinal canal and dural sac

Superiorly:

  • Inferior endplate of the upper vertebral body

Inferiorly:

  • Superior endplate of the lower vertebral body

Laterally:

  • Intervertebral foramina

  • Exiting spinal nerve roots (indirect relation)

Structures contained within the disc space

  • Nucleus pulposus

  • Annulus fibrosus lamellae

  • Cartilaginous endplates

X-ray appearance

Spine radiographs (AP and lateral views):

  • Disc space height: Radiolucent interval between adjacent vertebral bodies

  • Margins: Sharp, well-defined vertebral endplates

  • Alignment: Uniform disc spaces in normal alignment

  • Visualization: Indirect assessment of disc by measuring intervertebral height

CT appearance

Pre-contrast CT:

  • Disc space: Hypodense soft-tissue density between vertebral bodies

  • Endplates: Hyperdense cortical margins clearly defined

  • Nucleus pulposus: Not distinctly separable from annulus on routine CT

  • Annulus fibrosus: Seen as part of homogeneous disc soft tissue

  • Relationship: Clear interface with vertebral bodies and spinal canal

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Nucleus pulposus: Intermediate signal intensity

  • Annulus fibrosus: Low-to-intermediate signal

  • Endplates: Low-signal cortical margins

  • Marrow of vertebral bodies: High signal (fatty marrow dependent on age)**

T2-weighted images:

  • Nucleus pulposus: High signal due to high water content

  • Annulus fibrosus: Low-signal peripheral ring

  • Disc contour: Well-demarcated margins against the thecal sac and endplates

STIR:

  • Nucleus pulposus: High signal due to high water content

  • Annulus fibrosus: Low-signal peripheral ring

  • Endplates and marrow: Fat suppressed with high sensitivity to fluid content

  • Disc–endplate interface: Clearly delineated

CT VRT 3D image

Intervertebral Disc Space

CT image

Intervertebral Disc Space of vertebra of vertebra , Location and Imaging Appearance -img-00000-00000

X ray image

X Ray Intervertebral Disc Space

MRI image

Intervertebral Disc Space of vertebra of vertebra , Location and Imaging Appearance -img-00000-00000_00001