LATERAL MENISCI Meaning and
Definition
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Lateral menisci refers to the paired, crescent-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage located on the sides of the knee joint. These structures are commonly found in the human knee and play a vital role in providing stability, shock absorption, and lubrication to the knee joint during movement.
The lateral menisci are positioned on the outer sides of the knee joint, adjacent to the femur bone. Unlike the medial menisci located on the inner sides of the knee, the lateral menisci are more mobile and have a more oval shape. They are thicker at the back and thinner towards the front, which allows them to adapt to the varying surfaces of the tibial plateau.
The main functions of the lateral menisci involve providing stability to the knee joint by deepening the articulation of the femur and tibia bones. They also distribute the weight-bearing pressure evenly across the joint surface, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the articular cartilage. Additionally, the lateral menisci act as shock absorbers, dissipating the forces exerted on the knee joint during activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
Injury to the lateral menisci, such as tears or degeneration, can lead to pain, swelling, decreased mobility, and instability of the knee joint. Treatment options for such injuries include conservative methods like rest, physical therapy, and pain management, as well as surgical interventions such as meniscal repair or meniscectomy (partial or complete removal of the damaged menisci).
Common Misspellings for LATERAL MENISCI
- kateral menisci
- pateral menisci
- oateral menisci
- lzteral menisci
- lsteral menisci
- lwteral menisci
- lqteral menisci
- lareral menisci
- laferal menisci
- lageral menisci
- layeral menisci
- la6eral menisci
- la5eral menisci
- latwral menisci
- latsral menisci
- latdral menisci
- latrral menisci
- lat4ral menisci
- lat3ral menisci
- lateeal menisci
Etymology of LATERAL MENISCI
The word "lateral" comes from the Latin word "lateralis", which means "of or belonging to the side". It is derived from the Latin word "latus", meaning "side".
The word "menisci" is the plural form of the word "meniscus", which comes from the Greek word "meniskos", meaning "crescent". In ancient Greek medicine, the term "meniscus" was used to describe the crescent-shaped cartilages found in certain joints, including the knee joint.
Therefore, "lateral menisci" refers to the crescent-shaped cartilages found on the sides of the knee joint. They are called "lateral" because they are located on the outer sides of the knee joint.
