Why is the Periosteum Important for Bone Protection?
The periosteum is a dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints. It plays a significant role in bone protection by providing a surface for the attachment of muscles and tendons, which helps in distributing mechanical stress across the bone. Additionally, the periosteum contains osteogenic cells that can differentiate into osteoblasts, aiding in bone repair and growth.