Final answer:
Menisci are semilunar shaped fibrocartilaginous pads located in the knee joint between the femur and tibia. They serve as padding that aids in shock absorption, stability, and smooth movement within the joint. The medial and lateral menisci are essential for knee function and are anchored to the tibial condyles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Menisci are semilunar shaped fibrocartilaginous pads that are crucial structures within certain synovial joints, particularly the knee. They are specifically located between the articulating surfaces of the femur and tibia bones. Each knee joint has two menisci: the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus. These C-shaped fibrocartilage structures are thin along their inside margins and become thicker toward the outer margins. They are attached to the tibial condyles but they do not attach to the femur. The menisci play key roles in providing padding, shock absorption, and stabilization to the knee joint by filling the gap between the rounded femoral condyles and the flattened tibial condyles.
The medial meniscus is less mobile because it is anchored to the articular capsule and the tibial collateral ligament. However, due to this anchored structure, areas of the menisci that lack an arterial blood supply tend to heal poorly when damaged. Functions of the menisci include improving the fit between the articulating surfaces, providing cushioning to absorb shock, and facilitating the smooth movement of the femur over the tibia. Overall, the health and integrity of the menisci are vital for knee joint stability and function.