[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) › T6–T7 nucleus [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) # T6–T7 nucleus The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gel-like centre of the [T6-T7](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t6-t7/) disc in the mid-back; it works like a water cushion that spreads the load. Official name: T6-T7 [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=spine&select=nucleus_t6_t7&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The soft, gel-like centre (nucleus pulposus) of the T6–T7 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 - Near the apex of the thoracic kyphosis the cord lies close in front, so even a small central fragment can touch it ## Key facts **Where** Centre of the T6–T7 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 - Tenderness on tapping the spinous processes over the level is common in disc-space infection, although it is not specific ## On imaging In adults infection (spondylodiscitis) usually starts in the endplate and spreads into the nucleus space, which turns bright on T2 MRI with enhancing [endplates](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebral-endplates/); degeneration instead makes it dark. ## 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 - Tuberculous spondylitis (Pott disease) favours the lower thoracic and upper lumbar [spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) and often spares the disc early, spreading under the [anterior longitudinal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-longitudinal-ligament/); pyogenic infection destroys the disc space early - When disc-space infection is suspected and blood cultures are negative, a CT-guided needle biopsy of the disc identifies the organism before long antibiotic treatment ## Related conditions - [Vertebral osteomyelitis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/vertebral-osteomyelitis/) - [Spinal tuberculosis (Pott disease)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/spinal-tuberculosis/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Why can even a small central fragment of the T6–T7 nucleus touch the spinal cord? Near the apex of the thoracic kyphosis the cord lies close in front of it. ## How does infection of the T6–T7 disc space differ from degeneration on T2 MRI? Infection (spondylodiscitis): the nucleus space turns bright, with enhancing endplates. Degeneration: the nucleus turns dark. ## What lies directly behind the T6–T7 nucleus pulposus? The back of the annulus fibrosus and the posterior longitudinal ligament, then the spinal cord. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/t6-t7-spine-and-pelvis/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** nucleus pulposus T6-T7 TA2 1686 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Núcleo pulposo T6-T7 DeCS D000070614 **English (TA2)** T6-T7 ## Related - [T6–T7 disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t6-t7/) - [T6 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t6/) - [T7 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t7/) 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/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t6-t7-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/t6-t7-spine-and-pelvis/