The Mechanical Role of Collagen Fibers in the Intervertebral Disc

The current chapter reviews the mechanical role of the collagen fibers in the intervertebral disc, including the different roles of the collagen fibers in the different subparts of the disc and the integration between these subparts. Moreover, this chapter surveys the different collagen types, their role and location in the intervertebral disc, along with the changes that occur with aging. The final part of the chapter reviews finite element models and simulations that include structural representation of the collagen fibers in the intervertebral disc.