periosteum

American  

[per-ee-os-tee-uhm] / ˌpɛr iˈɒs ti əm /

noun

Anatomy.

• periostea
  plural

1. the normal investment of bone, consisting of a dense, fibrous outer layer, to which muscles attach, and a more delicate, inner layer capable of forming bone.

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periosteum British  

/ ˌpɛrɪˈɒstɪəm /

noun

1. a thick fibrous two-layered membrane covering the surface of bones

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• periosteal
  adjective
• periosteous
  adjective
• subperiosteal
  adjective
• periosteally
  adverb
• subperiosteally
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• periostea
  plural

Etymology

Origin of periosteum

1590–1600; < New Latin, variant of Late Latin periosteon, noun use of neuter of Greek periósteos around the bones. See peri-, osteo-

Compare meaning

How does periosteum compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• periosteum vs. endosteum
• perichondrium vs. periosteum

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

periosteum periostea

Surrounding the bone is a membrane called the periosteum.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

Figure 6.8 Periosteum and Endosteum The periosteum forms the outer surface of bone, and the endosteum lines the medullary cavity.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

It can be found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone and is found in the growing portions of bone, including the periosteum and endosteum.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Fallopius declared for the preservation of the periosteum of the bone just as far as was possible whenever there was bone disease or injury.

From The Century of Columbus by James J. Walsh

The periostea, denuded of their covering, were white and smooth, as if they had been polished.

From Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo