Meniscus

A crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure in certain joints that improves the fit between bones and distributes load. The knee contains medial and lateral menisci.

Articular cartilage: Smooth connective tissue covering the ends of bones within synovial joints. It shares joint loads with the meniscus while providing a low-friction surface for movement.
Synovial joint: A freely movable joint enclosed by a capsule and containing a fluid-filled cavity. Menisci are specialized structures found within some synovial joints.
Meniscal tear: A split or disruption in the fibrocartilage of a meniscus. Tears are the common injury that prompts assessment of meniscal function and treatment.
Articular disc: A fibrocartilaginous plate that divides or partly divides a synovial joint cavity. Unlike the knee meniscus, an articular disc can partition a joint cavity.
Knee joint: A synovial joint connecting the femur, tibia, and patella. Its menisci sit between the femur and tibia, shaping how the joint bears weight.
Medial meniscus: The meniscus on the inner side of the knee, attached to the joint capsule and medial collateral ligament. Its firm attachments make it less mobile and more vulnerable to certain injuries.
Meniscectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of a knee meniscus. Removing damaged tissue can relieve symptoms but reduces the meniscus's load-sharing capacity.
Labrum: A fibrocartilaginous rim that deepens a joint socket, as in the shoulder or hip. A labrum deepens a socket rather than forming a load-bearing crescent between joint surfaces.
Meniscal root: The attachment anchoring a meniscus to the tibial plateau. Root attachments let menisci resist forces that would otherwise push them outward.
Lateral meniscus: The meniscus on the outer side of the knee, more circular and mobile than the medial meniscus. Its greater mobility distinguishes its anatomy and injury patterns from the medial meniscus.

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