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Which of the following statements about intervertebral discs is TRUE?

A. Degenerative changes in the discs cause people to get shorter as they age.
B. Risk of disc herniation increases with age.
C. Disc herniation occurs most typically from an acute injury.
D. The majority of cases of back pain are caused by disc herniation.

Answer :

The risk of disc herniation increases with age due to the weakening of the anulus fibrosus, which can allow the nucleus pulposus to protrude, possibly causing nerve compression, pain, and muscle weakness. Therefore option b. Risk of disc herniation increases with age.

The intervertebral discs are composed of fibrous cartilage which act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock from movements such as walking and running. The nucleus pulposus, the inner part of the intervertebral discs, has a gel-like nature that hardens and becomes less elastic as one ages. This hardening leads to a decrease in the disc's ability to absorb shock.

A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured or slipped disc, can occur when the anulus fibrosus, the outer layer of the disc, is weakened. This can happen due to aging or injury. The result is the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus, which can compress a spinal nerve, causing pain and/or muscle weakness. Given the information, the true statement about intervertebral discs is that the risk of disc herniation increases with age since the anulus fibrosus weakens, and the nucleus pulposus may protrude and put pressure on a spinal nerve, leading to pain and dysfunction.

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