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Periosteum is the name of the layer of dense connective
tissue that covers most surfaces of bones (except the articular surfaces,
as cartilage protects bone at joints).
Basic Structure of Periosteum
- The inner layer of periosteum contains osteoblasts and fewer blood vessels than the outer layer.
- The
outer layer of periosteum is very dense and includes many blood
vessels.
- Periosteum is connected to the bone by strong collagenous fibres
called Sharpey's fibres, which extend to the outer circumferential
and interstitial
lamellae of bone.
Functions of Periosteum
- Provides attachments for tendons,
and ligaments.
- Includes nerve endings concerned with sensation of pain (called
nociceptive nerve endings), that increase the sensitivity
of periosteum to manipulation.
- Provides nourishment
to the bone (via blood supply).
- Plays an important role in the
healing of fractures.
This Section consists of short summaries about the
structures that form the muscles of the body.
This list is not exhaustive but is intended to be appropriate for students
of A-Level Human Biology, ITEC courses in massage and related subjects,
and some other courses in Health Sciences.
For more general information about Muscles see
the pages about: Anterior
Muscles, Posterior
Muscles, Facial
Muscles, Terminology
about Muscles, and the Structure
of Muscles.
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