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Menisci of the knee joint

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

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.

Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Bardana, MD, FRCSC
- Orthopedic Surgery/Sports Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kathie Hummel-Berry, PT, PhD
- Physical Therapy
Last Updated September 22, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 22, 2006
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