The nucleus pulposus is

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Multiple Choice

The nucleus pulposus is

Explanation:
The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gelatinous center of an intervertebral disc. Its high water and proteoglycan content lets it act as a shock absorber, distributing compressive loads across the disc when the spine bears weight. It is surrounded by the tougher annulus fibrosus and rests on the adjacent vertebral endplates. It is not bone, not cartilage of the facet joints, and not a ligament, so the description that fits best is a gelatinous-like substance in the disc. With aging, it can lose water and become more fibrous, reducing its cushioning effect.

The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gelatinous center of an intervertebral disc. Its high water and proteoglycan content lets it act as a shock absorber, distributing compressive loads across the disc when the spine bears weight. It is surrounded by the tougher annulus fibrosus and rests on the adjacent vertebral endplates. It is not bone, not cartilage of the facet joints, and not a ligament, so the description that fits best is a gelatinous-like substance in the disc. With aging, it can lose water and become more fibrous, reducing its cushioning effect.

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