Meniscus (medial and lateral)

The menisci are C-shaped pieces of cartilage located in the knee joint, with one on the inside (medial meniscus) and one on the outside (lateral meniscus). They serve as shock absorbers, cushioning the joint and helping stabilize it while allowing for smooth movement. They also aid in distributing body weight and reducing friction between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Injuries to the menisci can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility, often affecting athletes and those engaged in physical activities.