title: The canine intervertebral disk: part one: structure and function.
abstract: Intervertebral disk disease continues to be a common and debilitating condition of dogs. In the first of a two-part article on the canine intervertebral disk, the microscopic and ultrastructural anatomy of the normal, nonchondrodystrophoid disk is described. Specific attention is placed on elements of the structure which impart important functional attributes. Finally, the role of the intervertebral disk in providing flexibility to the vertebral column is discussed, with a description of its biomechanical properties and reaction to compressive loads.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bray
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Burbidge
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004283:Dog Diseases; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000032:analysis; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000662:veterinary; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D011509:Proteoglycans