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Menisci of the knee joint

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Menisci of the knee joint

Skeletal view of left knee, showing the meniscus on the outer (lateral) and inner (medial) sides of the knee

A meniscus is a piece of cartilage found where two bones meet (joint space). Menisci (plural of meniscus) protect and cushion the joint surface and bone ends. In the knee, the crescent-shaped menisci are positioned between the ends of the upper (femur) and lower (tibia) leg bones. The menisci protect the joint surface and absorb the shock produced by activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Current as of: March 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine

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