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 bone is covered with an outer translucent sheet called the periosteum.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

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

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Tendons and ligaments also attach to bones at the periosteum.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

We may recur to the statement, that a portion of the fang of every loose tooth was always found deprived of its periosteum.

From North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826 by Bache, Franklin