Which structure attaches to the posterior portion of the medial meniscus?

• A. Semimembranous
• B. Tendon of popliteus
• C. Oblique popliteal ligament
• D. Medial collateral ligament

Answer: (A)

The posterior portion of the medial meniscus has a direct link with the semimembranosus tendon. A broad expansion from the semimembranosus inserts into the posterior horn and body of the medial meniscus and blends with the joint capsule. This connection lets the semimembranosus modulate the position and movement of the medial meniscus during knee flexion and extension, helping stabilize the meniscus as the knee moves.

The other structures don’t provide this direct posterior attachment. The popliteus tendon is more involved with the lateral side of the knee and its relationship to the lateral meniscus, not the posterior part of the medial meniscus. The oblique popliteal ligament reinforces the posterior knee capsule and is associated with the semimembranosus expansion, but it doesn’t attach specifically to the posterior portion of the medial meniscus. The medial collateral ligament runs along the inner knee and connects to the tibia and femur, with some relation to the meniscus via coronary attachments, but not as a direct, primary posterior attachment to the medial meniscus.