Medial meniscus

Definition

The medial meniscus is a C-shaped piece of fibrocartilage located in the knee joint, between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone), that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizes the joint. It helps distribute body weight evenly across the knee joint to reduce wear on the articular cartilage.

Related terms

Articular Cartilage: A smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints, facilitating smooth movements and reducing friction.

Synovial Joint: A type of joint that is surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule which allows for considerable movement between bones.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): A key ligament within the knee that connects the femur to the tibia and provides stability to the knee joint, especially in rotational movements