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

• 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 bone is covered with an outer translucent sheet 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

At the other end of the tendon, it fuses with the periosteum coating the bone.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Immature osteogenic cells are found in the deep layers of the periosteum and the marrow.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The disease may also begin in the periosteum, or covering of the bone, and destroy the bone from without inward.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry