Final answer:
The structure connecting the medial and lateral menisci and providing a strut against separation is the transverse meniscal ligament. This ligament, along with others, contributes to the stability and mobility of the knee joint, which is crucial for activities that require weight-bearing, flexion, and extension.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connecting the medial and lateral menisci across the center of the articulating surface, the structure that provides a strut against separation is known as the transverse meniscal ligament. This ligament is not specifically mentioned in the reference material provided, but based on anatomical knowledge, it is the transverse meniscal ligament that connects the medial meniscus and lateral meniscus. Each meniscus is a C-shaped fibrocartilage that attaches to their respective tibial condyles and plays an essential role in providing padding and supporting the complex movements at the knee joint. The medial meniscus attaches to the articular capsule and the tibial collateral ligament, whereas the lateral meniscus is more mobile and both serve to improve the congruence between the femoral condyles and tibial plateaus.
In the context of knee stability and function, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, along with the tibial and fibular collateral ligaments, contribute to the knee's overall integrity, resisting hyperextension, rotation, and anterior sliding of the femur. These structures, along with the medial and lateral menisci, ensure that the knee can bear weight, flex, and extend properly, especially during dynamic activities.