A meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage structure found in the knee joint, primarily composed of fibrous tissue. It acts as a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone), helping to absorb shock and stabilize the joint during movement. Each knee has two menisci: the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side. In addition to its role in cushioning, the meniscus also aids in distributing body weight across the knee joint. Damage to the meniscus, often due to injury or degeneration, can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, making it essential for overall knee health.