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

The periosteum assists in attaching the bone to surrounding tissues, tendons, and ligaments.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

The periosteum contains blood vessels and cells that help to repair and restore bone.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

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

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

He discovered the little blood vessels that enter bones, the nutrient arteries, but still more definitely described the nutrition of bones through the periosteum and its rich blood supply.

From The Century of Columbus by Walsh, James J.

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

From Toilers of the Sea by Hugo, Victor