T10–T11 nucleus !
The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gel-like centre of the T10-T11 disc in the mid-back; it works like a water cushion that spreads the load.
Official name: T10-T11
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What it is
The soft, gel-like centre (nucleus pulposus) of the T10–T11 disc.
What it does
Works like a water cushion: it turns pressure from above into outward push on the fibre ring, spreading the load. It is under the most pressure when you bend forward and lift.
Key facts
- Where
- Centre of the T10–T11 disc, slightly toward the back, inside the annulus fibrosus
- Function
- Notochord-derived gel (about 70–90% water, proteoglycans); turns axial load into annulus tension; small in thin thoracic discs, herniation rare
Relations
- Behind
- Back of the annulus fibrosus and the posterior longitudinal ligament, then the spinal cord
Examination
- Cremasteric reflex (L1–L2 segments, in males): stroking the inner thigh lifts the testis on that side; its loss with brisk leg reflexes fits a lesion at the lumbar enlargement
On imaging
Sagittal T2 MRI shows both the nucleus and the cord; a bright spot inside the cord at the level of compression suggests myelopathy.
Common problems
- Squeezes out through a tear in the ring (herniation), usually backward and to one side, toward a nerve root.
- Loses water with age, so the disc gets thinner and stiffer.
How it is diagnosed
On MRI a healthy nucleus is bright on T2 images; a worn one turns dark ('black disc').
Treatment
- In a microdiscectomy only the loose piece that has pushed out is removed; most of the disc stays.
Clinical notes
- Compression here can mix signs: upper motor neuron signs below, plus reduced knee jerks or wasting if the anterior horn cells of the lumbar enlargement are damaged
- A fragment that has calcified is best seen on CT before surgery; calcification warns that it may be stuck to the dura and shapes the choice of approach
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which root and band can a lateral fragment of the T10–T11 nucleus reach?
The T10 root, the band around the trunk at the umbilicus.
What part of the spinal cord can a central fragment of the T10–T11 nucleus reach?
The lower cord near its lumbar enlargement.
Which MRI sign suggests myelopathy from a T10–T11 nucleus herniation?
A bright spot inside the cord at the level of compression on sagittal T2 MRI.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- nucleus pulposus T10-T11 TA2 1686
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Núcleo pulposo T10-T11 DeCS D000070614
- English (TA2)
- T10-T11
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); DeCS; Anatomy, Back, Nucleus Pulposus; Anatomy, Back, Intervertebral Discs; 7.3 The Vertebral Column (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, CC BY 4.0.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
