Periosteum: Structure and Functions

Overview

• Periosteum is a sheath of tough connective tissue found on the bone surface.
• It is absent where there is articular cartilage.

Structure

• Composed of two layers:
  • Outer Fibrous Layer: Made of dense irregular connective tissue.
  • Inner Osteogenic Layer: Contains bone cells.

Functions

• Bone Growth: Facilitates growth in thickness/diameter, not length.
• Protection: Provides a protective layer for bones.
• Repair: Assists in the repair of bone tissue.
• Nourishment: Supplies essential nutrients to the bone.
• Attachment Point: Serves as a point of attachment for ligaments and tendons.

Associated Structures

• Sharpie's Fibers:
  • Thick bundles of collagen.
  • Connect the periosteum to the bone.
  • Attach to the outer circumferential lamellae of compact bone.