periosteum

American  

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

noun

Anatomy.

plural

periostea

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

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

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

The periosteum is the connective tissue on the outside of bone that acts as the interface between bone, blood vessels, 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

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

The external callus is produced by cells in the periosteum and consists of hyaline cartilage and bone.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

He regards the latter as proceeding from the fragments of periosteum introduced into the jugular vein, and his results thus widely differ from those of Cohnheim.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various