What is the Difference Between Articular Cartilage and Meniscus?

The knee joint has two types of cartilage: articular cartilage and meniscus cartilage. Here are the main differences between them:

Articular Cartilage:

• Covers the ends of the bones that make up the knee.
• Made of hyaline cartilage, which is a tough, rubbery substance that allows the bones to glide smoothly against each other.
• Injuries to articular cartilage are less common than meniscus injuries but can be treated using biological treatments like autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT).

Meniscus Cartilage:

• Forms a cushion or shock absorber between the bones of the knee.
• Made of fibrocartilage, which is a tougher and more fibrous type of cartilage than hyaline cartilage.
• There are two menisci in the knee joint: one on the inner side (medial) and one on the outer side (lateral).
• Meniscus tears are more common than articular cartilage injuries and can occur during activities that cause the knee to twist or rotate.

In summary, articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones in the knee joint, while the meniscus cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones. Both types of cartilage have different structures and functions, and injuries to them can require different treatments.

Comparative Table: Articular Cartilage vs Meniscus

The main difference between articular cartilage and the meniscus lies in their location, shape, and function within the knee joint. Here is a table comparing the two:

Articular cartilage forms the smooth layer of the joint that covers the ends of bones, while the meniscus is a different type of cartilage located between the femur and the tibia, serving as a cushion or sponge. Both types of cartilage are essential for the proper functioning of the knee joint, but they have distinct roles and characteristics.