Ground covers continue to be popular landscape plants in the Southeastern United States. The most popular ground cover for landscape use in the South is liriope. The three most popular liriope species grown in the Southeast are L. muscari (clumping), L. gigantea (giant) and L. spicata (spreading).
Understanding Spinal Anatomy: Intervertebral Discs. Between each vertebral body is a cushion called an intervertebral disc. Each disc absorbs the stress and shock the body incurs during movement and prevents the vertebrae from grinding against one another. The intervertebral discs are the largest structures in the body without a vascular supply. By means of osmosis, each disc absorbs needed nutrients.
(larger view). The vertebral disc in the spine is an interesting and unique structure. Its primary purpose is to act as a shock absorber between adjacent vertebrae. Spinal discs also act as ligaments that hold the vertebrae of the spine together and as cartilaginous joints that allow for slight mobility in the spine.