What structure consists of the knee's medial and lateral components that provide cushioning?

• A. Cartilage
• B. Ligaments
• C. Meniscus (Medial and Lateral)
• D. Tendons

Answer: (C)

The knee’s cushioning on the inner and outer sides is provided by the menisci—the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side. These two fibrocartilaginous discs sit between the femur and tibia and act as shock absorbers, spreading load across the joint, improving contact and stability, and aiding smooth articulation.

Cartilage provides a smooth, low-friction surface on the ends of bones, but the specific paired, inner-and-outer cushioning structure described here are the menisci. Ligaments stabilize the joint, not cushion it, and tendons connect muscle to bone, not cushion the joint surfaces.