The menisci in the knee joint can be torn for a variety of reasons. considering the structure of the menisci would you expect these tears to heal on their own?

Meniscus tears are not healed on their own.

Explanation:

The two most common causes of a meniscus tear are due to traumatic injury (often seen in athletes) and degenerative processes (seen in older patients who have more fragile cartilage). The most common mechanism of a traumatic meniscus tear occurs when the knee joint is flexed and the knee is then twisted.

The meniscus tear can only be surgically removed. However, in some cases people can live with the meniscus tear without any problem. Also, there are exercises that lessen the symptoms of this problem.

The most common symptoms of a meniscus tear are:

what do we need our phalanges for?

i don't think so because different teachers have different materials. tehy teach differently, unless you know for sure your teacher is the exact same as others. i would just contact ur teacher