ÜDS-Sağlık 2009-1 Soru=58

It is clear that the passage ----.

The vertebrae of the spinal column are separated by
disks made of cartilage. Each disk has a strong outer
layer and a softer inner part that acts as a shock
absorber to cushion the vertebrae during movement. If
the disk degenerates, for example following an injury or
with aging, the inner part of the disk can bulge or rupture
through the outer layer. The ruptured inner part of the
disk can compress or irritate a nerve root and may even
injure it. Most ruptured disks are in the lower back and
usually affect only one leg. Such a rupture can cause
pain not only in the lower back but also down the sciatic
nerve, which runs from the spinal column to the buttocks,
leg, and heel. Ruptured disks in the lower back can also
cause leg weakness, and a person may especially have
difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. A ruptured disk
that is very large and centrally located in the spinal
column can affect nerves that regulate bowel and
bladder function, impairing the ability to defecate or
urinate and making urgent medical attention necessary.