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A meniscus is a piece of cartilage (rubbery tissue) that acts as a shock absorber between bones and stabilizes the joints by evenly distributing the load across the joint area. 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 knee joint surface. And they absorb the shock produced by activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
Current as of: November 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Patrick J. McMahon MD - Orthopedic Surgery
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