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# T10–T11 nucleus

The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gel-like centre of the [T10-T11](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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 points

- A lateral fragment reaches the T10 root (the umbilical band); a central one reaches the lower cord near its lumbar enlargement

## 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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-longitudinal-ligament/), then the [spinal cord](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/spinal-cord/)

## Examination

- Cremasteric reflex (L1–L2 segments, in males): stroking the inner thigh lifts the [testis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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.

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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

- [T10–T11 disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t10-t11/)
- [T10 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t10/)
- [T11 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t11/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=56248&filter=ths_termall&q=N%C3%BAcleo%20Pulposo); [Anatomy, Back, Nucleus Pulposus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535373/); [Anatomy, Back, Intervertebral Discs](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470583/); [7.3 The Vertebral Column](https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/7-3-the-vertebral-column) (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t10-t11-spine-and-pelvis/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t10-t11-spine-and-pelvis/