Vertebral body endplates are anatomically discrete structures that form the interface between the vertebral bodies and the adjacent intervertebral discs. They are constituted centrally by a cartilaginous layer and peripherally by a bone ring apophysis. The cartilaginous layer is related to the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus and has an important role in intervertebral disc nutrition 1. The bone ring apophysis is connected to the annulus fibrosus by Sharpey fibers.
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Arterial supply
The vertebral endplate capillaries are tiny branches of interosseous arteries that ramify throughout the vertebral body. The interosseous arteries branch off segmental arteries (one per vertebra) which arise directly from the aorta.
History and etymology
Although now generally considered as part of the vertebral body, historically they were grouped with the intervertebral disc 3.
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