What does intervertebral mean?
Intervertebral is an anatomical adjective meaning situated between the vertebrae, or relating to the structures connecting them. It is especially common in the term intervertebral disc, the cushion-like fibrocartilage between adjacent spinal bones that permits movement and absorbs compressive forces. The adjective can also describe the spaces and openings between vertebrae, as in intervertebral space or intervertebral foramen. In medical descriptions, problems with this region may be associated with disc degeneration, compression of nearby nerves, or narrowing of the spaces through which nerves pass. Although the vocabulary is technical, the underlying concept is familiar to anyone who has experienced stiffness or pain in the back or neck. Intervertebral is distinct from vertebral, which relates to a vertebra or the vertebrae generally.
adjectiveSituated between or connecting adjacent vertebrae of the spine.
- Located between, or relating to the space or structures between, adjacent vertebrae.
"The intervertebral disc provides cushioning and flexibility between the vertebrae."
"An intervertebral disc can become narrowed or damaged as part of a herniated disc."
"The scan showed reduced intervertebral space at two levels of the lower spine."
The familiar shock-absorbing cushion between spinal bones is technically the intervertebral disc.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of intervertebral
The word comes from Latin inter, meaning “between,” combined with vertebr-, the stem associated with vertebra. English borrowed the term in the 17th century in anatomical usage. Its relatives include vertebra, vertebral, and vertebrae, all of which refer to the individual bones of the spine or to the vertebral column as a whole.
Related word forms
How intervertebral is actually used
This is a specialized anatomical term, used especially in medicine, anatomy, radiology, and related clinical writing.