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

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

Tendons and ligaments also attach to bones at the periosteum.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The tension created by contraction of the muscle fibers is then transferred though the mysia, to the tendon, and then to the periosteum to pull on the bone for movement of the skeleton.

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

Purulent periostitis follows wounds which reach the periosteum and become infected, as observed in compound fractures, or it may result from advancing purulent conditions in neighboring structures, as in foul foot.

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