The statement is true. The shock absorbing pads located between the vertebrae are known as intervertebral discs, and they consist primarily of fibrocartilage.
Fibrocartilage is a tough and durable material that provides both strength and elasticity, allowing it to withstand the pressures and loads placed on the spine during movement. The intervertebral discs act as cushions, absorbing shock and enabling flexibility in the spine. Each disc has an outer layer called the annulus fibrosus, which is made of strong fibrocartilage, and an inner gel-like core known as the nucleus pulposus. This structure helps to distribute weight evenly across the spinal column and protects the vertebrae from wear and tear.
In summary, fibrocartilage is indeed the key component of the intervertebral discs that serve as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, making the statement true.