🦵 Bones and Cartilage in the Knee Joint The knee joint is a complex structure where bones meet and cartilage provides cushioning. The femur (thighbone) connects with the tibia (shinbone), while the patella (kneecap) sits in front, protecting the joint. Articular cartilage coats the ends of the bones, allowing smooth movement, while the menisci provide extra cushioning to absorb shocks during movement. Our animated knee joint demonstrates how these structures work together to enable flexibility,