The annulus fibrosus (AF) has a lamella structure, containing highly orientated collagen fibers. Many people experience trauma to the annulus during their life time. The mechanical properties of the AF have been characterized but the anisotropic characteristics warrant additional investigations into its microscopic properties. The present work describes the regional micromechanical properties of the interlamelar matrices of the AF using dynamic nanoindentation with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). A set of micro-mechanical test was performed to determine the regional properties of the intervertebral disk (IVD) using an animal model. The IVD L5 motion segment was dissected and fixed to the piezo scanner of the AFM for analysis. Five arbitrarily chosen regions were probed through their matrices and their mechanical properties were determined using the Hertz model. In a second set of related experiments IVD samples were dissected and exposed to open air for 1 hr. Measurements of the water loss were recorded. Additional experiments were performed to investigate the mechanics of possible substitutes. Alginate gels were produced and analyzed. Results showed a significant difference in the properties of the outer AF to the inner AF. Young's Modulus ranged from 1.1 MPa in outer regions to .66MPa in inner regions. The hydration test showed a decrease in the hydration remaining from inner AF to outer AF. In addition, it was shown that AF tissues micro-mechanics mimicked its macro-mechanics.