How do the menisci cushion the knee joint?

In the context of the knee joint, the menisci are crescent-shaped plates of fibrocartilage positioned between the femoral condyles and their corresponding tibial counterparts.12

These structures function as intra-articular fibrocartilages that assist in the gliding movements of the bones within the joint. By acting as a buffer between the articulating surfaces of the femur and tibia, they help manage the stresses placed on the knee, which is the largest joint in the body and must support the entire weight of the body above it. While the knee's overall stability relies heavily on surrounding ligaments and muscles, the menisci contribute to the functional mechanics of the joint by facilitating smooth movement between the bones.13