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Need-to-know anatomy
A joint is where two or more bones meet, or "articulate." The ends of the bones are covered by the articular cartilage, a tough but slippery material that cushions the joint and allows the bones to move smoothly. Although the word cartilage usually refers to articular cartilage, there is a second type of cartilage called meniscal cartilage that adds an extra layer of shock absorption to the knee in the form of two crescent-shaped pads.
The joint is sealed within a joint capsule. The outside of the joint capsule is formed by ligaments, which attach bones to other bones, and tendons, which attach muscle to bone. The synovial membrane--a thin, delicate covering on the inside of the joint capsule--secretes synovial fluid, which fills the inside of the capsule and serves as a lubricant for joint movement.
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