Answer :
Final answer:
The term for degenerative changes within the intervertebral disc and the fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies is spondylosis. This condition is characterized by the breakdown of spinal discs and subsequent spinal stiffness and bone spur formation, commonly due to aging.
Explanation:
The term for degenerative changes within the intervertebral disc and ankylosing of adjacent vertebral bodies is spondylosis. Spondylosis refers to the wearing down of the spinal discs and the subsequent changes in the spine, including the formation of bone spurs and the stiffening of the spine due to the fusion of the vertebral bodies. These changes are a result of the aging process and can lead to decreased flexibility, pain, and reduced range of motion.
Intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous pads that sit between the vertebrae in the spine. They consist of an outer fibrous ring, the anulus fibrosus, and an inner gel-like core, the nucleus pulposus. Their primary function is to absorb shock and ensure mobility between the bony segments of the spine. However, with age, the water content of the nucleus pulposus decreases, leading to disc thinning, loss of disc flexibility, and a higher risk of disc herniation.
