'Cell or Not to Cell' that is the Question: For Intervertebral Disc Regeneration?

The Human Intervertebral Disc (IVD) is a fibrocartilagenous structure positioned between each connecting vertebra of the spinal column. Mechanically, the IVD transmits load, arising from body weight and muscle activity, and permits a range of spinal movement including bending, flexion and torsion The normal IVD is composed of three morphologically distinct regions: the Cartilaginous End Plates (CEP), the highly organised Annulus Fibrosus (AF) and the central gelatinous Nucleus Pulposus (NP), which operate collectively to mechanically transfer loads and disperse energy evenly throughout the spine. The CEP is a layer of hyaline cartilage which separates the AF and NP from the adjacent vertebral body and facilitates diffusion of nutrients and oxygen to the avascular internal structures of the IVD The AF can be further subdivided