Explain the causes, types, and differences in susceptibility to injury between the medial and lateral menisci of the knee.

The medial meniscus is more susceptible to injury than the lateral meniscus because it is firmly attached to the tibial collateral ligament and undergoes greater movement during knee rotation. In contrast, the lateral meniscus is protected by the popliteus muscle, which pulls its posterior horn backward, preventing it from being crushed between the articular surfaces.

Clinically, pain experienced during the medial rotation of the tibia on the femur indicates an injury to the medial meniscus, while pain during the lateral rotation of the tibia on the femur suggests an injury to the lateral meniscus.