The knee is the largest joint in the body and having healthy knees is required to perform most everyday activities.
The ends of these three bones are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth substance that protects the bones and enables them to move easily within the joint.
The menisci are located between the femur and tibia. These C-shaped wedges act as shock absorbers that cushion the joint.
Large ligaments hold the femur and tibia together and provide stability. The long thigh muscles give the knee strength.
All remaining surfaces of the knee are covered by a thin lining called the synovial membrane. This membrane releases a fluid that lubricates the cartilage, reducing friction to nearly zero in a healthy knee.
Normally, all of these components work in harmony. But disease or injury can disrupt this harmony, resulting in pain, muscle weakness, and reduced function.