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The 'periosteum' is a thin layer of dense, irregular connective tissue membrane that covers the outer surface of a bone in all places except at joints. (The outer surface of bone at joints is covered with a type of hyaline cartilage called "articular cartilage".) As opposed to osseous tissue itself, periosteum has nociceptive nerve endings, making it very sensitive to manipulation. It also provides nourishment by providing the blood supply. The periosteum is connected to the bone by strong collagenous fibers called Sharpey's fibres, which extend to the outer circumferential and interstitial lamellae.
The periosteum consists of an outer "fibrous layer" and inner "cambium layer". The fibrous layer contains fibroblasts while the cambium layer contains progenitor cells which develop into osteoblasts that are responsible for increasing bone width. After a bone fracture the progenitor cells develop into osteoblasts and chondroblasts which are essential to the healing process.It also acts as an attatchment for muscles and joints.
The periosteum that covers the outer surface of the skull is known as the "pericranium".

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References

★ Brighton, Carl T. and Robert M. Hunt (1997), "Early histologic and ultrastructural changes in microvessels of periosteal callus", ''Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma'', '11 (4)': 244-253

★ Netter, Frank H. (1987), ''Musculoskeletal system: anatomy, physiology, and metabolic disorders'', Summit, New Jersey: Ciba-Geigy Corporation

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External links

★ - "Cartilage and Bone and Bone Histogenesis: compact bone"

★ Histology at uwa.edu.au

★ Histology at ou.edu