Moore, R.2006-06-232006-06-232000European Spine Journal, 2000; 9(2):92-960940-67191432-0932http://hdl.handle.net/2440/5616The vertebral end-plate is critical for maintaining the health of the intervertebral disc. This paper reviews the literature that relates to end-plate structure and development and describes how disc integrity is affected by changes associated with pathology and aging. A range of studies, including biomechanical, biochemical, surgical and histological is discussed to illustrate the important role of the end-plate in spinal function.enAnimalsHumansIntervertebral DiscJournal article000100072610.1007/s0058600502170000869446000022-s2.0-003383100863605