The spelling of "meniscus medialis" is guided by the rules of Latin and Greek word formation. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /məˈnɪskəs mɛdiˈeɪlɪs/. The letter "i" in "meniscus" and "medialis" is pronounced as a short vowel sound /ɪ/ as in "sit" and "ill". The letter "c" in "meniscus" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, while the letter "s" is pronounced as a soft "s" sound in "medialis". The combination of "ea" in "medialis" is pronounced as a diphthong /eɪ/.
The meniscus medialis, also known as the medial meniscus, is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure located in the knee joint. It is one of two menisci found in each knee, the other being the lateral meniscus. The meniscus medialis is positioned on the inner side of the knee joint, adjacent to the tibia bone and in close proximity to the medial collateral ligament.
Its primary function is to serve as a shock absorber, distributing forces across the knee joint during weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, and jumping. The meniscus medialis also aids in maintaining joint stability and contributes to joint lubrication. It helps to reduce friction between the tibia and femur, preventing excessive wear and tear on the articular surfaces of the knee.
Injury or damage to the meniscus medialis can occur due to various factors, such as sudden twisting or pivoting movements, degenerative changes with aging, or repetitive stress on the knee joint. Common meniscal injuries include tears, which can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the knee.
Treatment for meniscus medialis injuries may vary depending on the extent and location of the damage, as well as the individual's specific circumstances. Non-surgical options such as rest, physical therapy, pain management, and bracing may be initially recommended, while more severe cases may require arthroscopic surgery for repair or partial removal of the meniscus medialis. Proper diagnosis and appropriate management of meniscal injuries are essential for optimal knee function and long-term joint health.
Medial meniscus, internal semilunar fibrocartilage of the knee-joint, attached to the inner border of the upper articular surface of the tibia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "meniscus" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "meniskos", meaning "crescent" or "sickle", which refers to the shape of the structure. The term "medialis" comes from the Latin word "medialis", which means "middle" or "central".
Thus, "meniscus medialis" is a Latin and Greek composite term that literally translates to "inner crescent" or "central crescent". This term is often used in anatomy to describe the medial meniscus, which is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure located in the knee joint.