(A) Axial view of mean disc geometry. (B) 2D mesh created using axial silhouette of mean disc geometry. (C) Mid-sagittal plane-cut of complete vertebra–disc–vertebra segment after 3D extrusion and meshing. (D) Final mesh after simulated hydration in saline solution for 24 h. Swelling has induced characteristic bulge of nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. Colors: orange: vertebral bone, gray: bony endplate, pink: cartilaginous endplate, green: outer annulus fibrosus, purple: inner annulus fibrosus, yellow: nucleus pulposus, blue: transition region between nucleus and inner annulus and aqua: transition region between outer and inner annulus fibrosus.