Endosteum

Endosteum
Endosteum covers the inside of bones, and surrounds the medullary cavity.
Identifiers
TA98A02.0.00.038
TA2387
THH2.00.03.7.00022
FMA32692
Anatomical terminology

The endosteum (pl.: endostea) is a thin vascular membrane of connective tissue that lines the inner surface of the bony tissue that forms the medullary cavity of long bones.[1][2]

This endosteal surface is usually resorbed during long periods of malnutrition, resulting in less cortical thickness.[citation needed]

The outer surface of a bone is lined by a thin layer of connective tissue that is very similar in morphology and function to endosteum. It is called the periosteum, or the periosteal surface. During bone growth, the width of the bone increases as osteoblasts lay new bone tissue at the periosteum. To prevent the bone from becoming unnecessarily thick, osteoclasts resorb the bone from the endosteal side.

Additional images

  • Long bone
    Long bone

References

  1. ^ Netter, Frank H. (1987). Musculoskeletal system: anatomy, physiology, and metabolic disorders. Summit, New Jersey: Ciba-Geigy Corporation ISBN 0-914168-88-6, p.171
  2. ^ "Definition of ENDOSTEUM". www.merriam-webster.com.


Stub icon

This human musculoskeletal system article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.