Question

Major function of intervertebral discs is to

• A. Prevent injury
• B. Absorb shock
• C. String the vertebrae
• D. Prevent hyper-extension

Answer 1

The correct option is B Absorb shock

• In humans, the vertebral column is formed by 26 serially arranged units called vertebrae and is dorsally placed.
  
• The intervertebral disc is a thin, oval plate of fibrous cartilage.
  
• Each intervertebral disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphysis), to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, and acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together.
  
• An intervertebral disk acts as a shock absorber between each of the vertebrae in the spinal column by keeping the vertebrae separated when there is the impact from an activity.
  
• Hence the major function of intervertebral discs is to absorb shock.
  
• So, the correct answer is 'Absorb shock'.