Final answer:
The term 'meniscus' refers to a C-shaped fibrocartilage articular disc, particularly within the knee joint, that serves as cushioning and helps improve the stability and function of the joint.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the term meniscus, the root menisc- refers to a C-shaped fibrocartilage articular disc that is found in a joint, especially within the knee. The meniscus serves multiple functions, such as acting as a cushion between bones, improving the fit between articulating bone ends, and contributing to joint stability. Specifically, the knee joint contains two of these menisci: the medial meniscus, which is attached to the tibial collateral ligament and shows less movement due to this anchorage, and the lateral meniscus, which is more mobile. These structures help in distributing weight and reducing friction during limb movement, and despite the similarity in basic function, their attachments and exact roles within the joint do vary slightly.