What attaches to the lateral meniscus?

What attaches to the lateral meniscus?

• A. MCL, semimembranosus
• B. Quads, popliteus, and semimembranosus
• C. LCL, quadriceps
• D. Patellar tendon

Answer: (B)

The lateral meniscus is stabilized by direct attachments to nearby knee structures, not just the tibia. In particular, the popliteus tendon runs at the posterolateral corner and blends with the lateral meniscus through the popliteomeniscal connections, so the popliteus actively attaches to and influences the lateral meniscus during knee motion, especially rotation and unlocking. The tendon of semimembranosus also contributes through expansions that form part of the oblique popliteal ligament, linking with the posterior aspect of the lateral meniscus and helping anchor it. Finally, the joint capsule and surrounding fibers from the area of the quadriceps contribute to the superior and lateral stabilizing connections to the lateral meniscus, grounding it within the capsule and connective tissue network. So the lateral meniscus has attachments involving the quadriceps region (via the capsule), the popliteus tendon, and the semimembranosus complex, making that combination the best fit.

The lateral meniscus is stabilized by direct attachments to nearby knee structures, not just the tibia. In particular, the popliteus tendon runs at the posterolateral corner and blends with the lateral meniscus through the popliteomeniscal connections, so the popliteus actively attaches to and influences the lateral meniscus during knee motion, especially rotation and unlocking. The tendon of semimembranosus also contributes through expansions that form part of the oblique popliteal ligament, linking with the posterior aspect of the lateral meniscus and helping anchor it. Finally, the joint capsule and surrounding fibers from the area of the quadriceps contribute to the superior and lateral stabilizing connections to the lateral meniscus, grounding it within the capsule and connective tissue network.

So the lateral meniscus has attachments involving the quadriceps region (via the capsule), the popliteus tendon, and the semimembranosus complex, making that combination the best fit.