Lateral meniscus

Definition

The lateral meniscus is a C-shaped piece of fibrocartilage located on the outer side of the knee, between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia), acting as a cushion to distribute weight and reduce friction during movement. It plays a crucial role in the stability and smooth operation of the knee joint.

Related terms

Cartilage: A flexible, connective tissue found in various forms in the human body, providing support and reducing friction within joints.

Synovial Joint: A type of joint that is surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule, allowing for extensive movement between bones, such as in the knee or elbow.

Tibia: The shinbone or larger bone of the lower leg, which articulates with both the femur above and the ankle bones below, playing a key role in supporting weight