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Lateral meniscus
Other Terms:
Lateral meniscus of knee joint,
Meniscus lateralis,
Ménisque latéral
Parts
None
Group
Lower limb joints -Knee
Description
This is a semilunar-shaped fibrocartilaginous disc that completes approximately four-fifths of a circle and covers about two-thirds of the lateral articular surface of the tibia. Its peripheral margin is convex and thick and attaches to the fibrous membrane of the joint capsule, while its free central border is thin and concave. The proximal surface is smooth and concave, while the distal surface is smooth and flat. It has a fairly uniform peripheral to central width except where it tapers to its the terminal anterior and posterior horns, where it becomes much more narrow. The anterior horn attaches to the tibial plateau between the intercondylar eminence and the anterior cruciate ligament, with which it blends. The posterior horn attaches to the tibial plateau behind the intercondylar eminence. The posterior horn is continuous with the anterior and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments, which sometimes serve as the attachments of the posterior horn.
Function
Deepen the tibial surface for reception of the femur. Provide shock absorbing cushion for femorotibial compression. Probably assist in joint lubrication and facilitate sliding, rolling, and spinning movements of the joint surface.
Latin
Meniscus lateralis
French
Ménisque latéral
