Intervertebral Disc Stem/Progenitor Cells: A Promising “Seed” for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration

Figure 1

Structure of IVD and the location of IVDSPC niche. IVD is composed of three distinct regions: the gelatinous and hydrated NP at the center, the AF surrounding the NP at the periphery, and CEP above and below the IVD between adjacent vertebrae. IVDSPCs have been found in all three regions, respectively, refer to NPSPCs, AFSPCs, and CESPCs. The AF border to ligament zone and the perichondrium region adjacent to the epiphyseal plate has been suggested to be the IVDSPC niche.