Intervertebral...

[OnceAnEMT]

So, I've got to ask, as I have multiple textbooks that conflict and multiple reputable websites conflicting. At the end of the day, who cares, but why not make a fuss over it?

Intervertebral disc, or intervertebral disk?

 

[PotatoMedic]

It is kinda like EKG vs ECG. The mean the same thing and both are accepted. (Granted I did meet a cardiologist that said it is NEVER EKG because, and I quote, " 'merica. "

"[The] usage of disc and disk is chaotic, and there are no clear rules (and usage guides differ on the matter). Our guess is that disk will eventually supplant disc in all but the latter’s special uses, but we’ll have to wait and see."

 

[OnceAnEMT]

A good point, but at least EKG/ECG has an explanation (read: German and English languages). Perhaps disc/disk is in the same boat?

 

[Brandon O]

A very quick delving suggests they're just alternate spellings, with some regional and task-specific connotations, but the same root and so on.

In medicine I usually see disc.

 

[MedicMan]

I'm going with "who cares?" ecg gets spell corrected on my "smartphone" to Ekg. At the end of the day, unless you're completing a med-school application, I'd find something else to worry about... Lol!