lateral meniscus of the knee

lateral meniscus of the knee A thickened crescent-shaped cartilage pad in the outer portion of the joint formed by the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). The lateral meniscus acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on. The lateral meniscus is toward the outer side of the knee joint. It serves to evenly load the surface during weightbearing, and also aids in disbursing joint fluid for joint lubrication. See also knee.