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Related Concept Videos

Knee Joint01:23

Knee Joint

3.5K
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
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Structural Joints: Synovial Joints01:16

Structural Joints: Synovial Joints

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Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...
9.1K
Structural Classification of Joints01:20

Structural Classification of Joints

8.0K
Joints, also known as articulations, are classified based on their structural characteristics, i.e., based on whether the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the articulating surfaces contact each other within a fluid-filled joint cavity. These differences serve to divide the joints of the body into three structural classifications.
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
8.0K
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella01:16

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

8.9K
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the...
8.9K
Functional Classification of Joints01:09

Functional Classification of Joints

8.5K
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses  or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
8.5K
Joints01:26

Joints

36.1K
Joints, also called articulations or articular surfaces, are points at which ligaments or other tissues connect adjacent bones. Joints permit movement and stability, and can be classified based on their structure or function.
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...
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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Destabilization of the Medial Meniscus and Cartilage Scratch Murine Model of Accelerated Osteoarthritis
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Current concepts on structure-function relationships in the menisci.

Stephen H J Andrews1, Adetola B Adesida1, Ziad Abusara2

  • 1a Department of Surgery , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada.

Connective Tissue Research
|March 8, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The knee menisci are complex structures whose form complements their function. New data reveal their surfaces are similar to articular cartilage, aiding lubrication and load transfer during knee movement.

Keywords:
Histomorphometrymechanicsmeniscusstructure function

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Biomechanical Engineering
  • Knee Anatomy

Background:

  • The menisci are crucial knee structures with complex roles.
  • Understanding their intricate organization is key to knee biomechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review meniscus structure and function.
  • To introduce new data on tibial and femoral meniscus surfaces.
  • To elucidate the relationship between meniscus form and function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on meniscus structure and function.
  • Analysis of new data on the tibial and femoral surfaces of the menisci.

Main Results:

  • Menisci develop circumferential tension under load, transmitting compressive forces.
  • A low shear modulus allows meniscal shape adaptation during joint articulation.
  • Outer menisci feature circumferentially oriented collagen, while inner regions are more cartilage-like.
  • Meniscal roots anchor the structures, maintaining continuity for tension resistance.
  • Femoral and tibial meniscus surfaces resemble articular cartilage, facilitating lubrication and load transfer.

Conclusions:

  • Meniscal structure is intrinsically linked to its biomechanical functions.
  • The analogous surfaces of menisci and articular cartilage ensure efficient joint performance.
  • The intricate organization of menisci optimizes load transmission and joint articulation.