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 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

Tendons and ligaments also attach to bones at the periosteum.

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

The outer surface of bone, except in regions covered with articular cartilage, is covered with a fibrous membrane called the periosteum.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Pyorrhœa alveolaris is a chronic form of gingivitis, met with after middle life, which begins in relation to the necks of the teeth and the alveolo-dental periosteum.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander

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

From Toilers of the Sea by Hugo, Victor