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Definition of Periosteum

Periosteum: The periosteum is a dense membrane composed of fibrous connective tissue that closely wraps (invests) all bone, except that of the articulating surfaces in joints which are covered by a synovial membrane.

"Peri-" is a prefix borrowed from the Greek meaning "around or about" and "-osteum" also comes from the Greek, from "osteon" meaning "bone", so periosteum literally means "around the bone."

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=7907
Last Editorial Review: 3/8/1999

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