Cartilage act as shock absorbers inside the knee. There are two types of cartilage in the knee: the articular cartilage and the meniscii.
Articular Cartilage
The articular cartilage covers the ends of femur, tibia, and fibula, as well as the underside of the patella and provides cushioning and ensures a good fit between the meeting surfaces of the femur and the tibia.
Meniscus
The knee joint is further cushioned by the menisci (lateral and medial), which are the second type of cartilage tissue found in the knee. The menisci act as shock absorbers between the bones and serve to further cushion the knee.
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A Tour of the Knee
Dr. Dinesh Patel walks Knee1 through an internal "tour" of the knee: