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Definition of Periosteal

Periosteal: Pertaining to the periosteum, a dense membrane composed of fibrous connective tissue that closely wraps (invests) all bone, except the bone of articulating surfaces in joints which are covered by synovial membranes. Peri- is a prefix borrowed from the Greek meaning "around or about" and "-osteal" also comes from the Greek, from "osteon" meaning "bone" so periosteal literally pertains to around bone.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=7904
Last Editorial Review: 12/17/1998 4:42:00 PM

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