Normal Intervertebral Disc – with labels

Academy of Chiropractic’s

MD Relationship Program

#11 Clinical Information, Diagnosis and MRI

Clinical Consultation 

From:  William J Owens Jr DC DAAMLP

Normal Intervertebral Disc Anatomy

The following slide is an axial slice from a T2 weighted image.  The exact level is not important, what is important is the anatomy of this slice as it is as NORMAL as it gets.  This is the perfect slide to demonstrate what normal anatomy in the spine should look like. In particular, this is a great demonstration of the BRIGHT ZONE in the intervertebral disc, that is a hydrated [non-desicated] nucleus pulposus.  Please check out the other arrows to see where pertinant anatomy is located.  The image to the left is a non-labeled version so you can compare wihtout all the arrows.  Also remember that MRI images are mirror images, so the LEFT FACET is truly the LEFT facet, that is not a mistake.  If you do not know this, dont understand OR do NOT have an MRI credential, visit www.teachdoctors.com to take the MRI Certification Course and LEARN.