periosteum

peri·os·te·um

noun \-tē-əm\

plural -tea \-tē-ə\

Definition of PERIOSTEUM

: the membrane of connective tissue that closely invests all bones except at the articular surfaces

Origin of PERIOSTEUM

New Latin, from Late Latin periosteon, from Greek, neuter of periosteos around the bone, from peri- + osteon bone — more at osseous

First Known Use: 1597

peri·os·te·um

noun \-tē-əm\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; -tea \-tē-ə\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of PERIOSTEUM

: the membrane of connective tissue that closely invests all bones except at the articular surfaces

Illustration of PERIOSTEUM

periosteum

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Dense membrane over bones. The outer layer contains nerve fibres and many blood vessels, which supply cells in the bone. The bone-producing cells of the inner layer are most prominent in fetal life and early childhood, when bone formation is at its peak. In adulthood they are less active but vital to continuous bone remodeling. When bone is injured, they multiply profusely to produce new bone.