Question

Which of the following statements regarding the periosteum is INCORRECT? A. The periosteum serves as the site of attachment of bone to muscle. B. Cells of the periosteum differentiate into osteoblasts. C. The periosteum is a fibrous sheath that surrounds long bones. D. None of the above

Short answer

D is INCORRECT.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the role of the periosteum

The periosteum is a dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.

Evaluate statement A

Statement A is correct because the periosteum serves as the site of attachment for muscles to bones via tendons.

Evaluate statement B

Statement B is correct because the periosteum contains cells that can differentiate into osteoblasts, which are involved in bone growth and healing.

Evaluate statement C

Statement C is correct because the periosteum is indeed a fibrous sheath that surrounds the outer surface of long bones.

Evaluate statement D

Statement D indicates that none of the above statements are incorrect. Since statements A, B, and C are all correct, statement D is incorrect because it implies there is no incorrect statement among A, B, and C.

Key concepts

bone attachment

The periosteum plays a crucial role in bone attachment. It is this outer fibrous layer of the bone that serves as the site of attachment for muscles.
Ligaments and tendons connect muscle to bone through the periosteum.
This connection is essential for allowing movement and providing stability to the skeleton.
Without the periosteum, our muscles would have no anchor point to exert force on the bones, making movement impossible.
For a deeper understanding, imagine the periosteum as the base to which you can attach a string (muscle) connected to a weight (bone).
In this scenario, the periosteum ensures the weight moves effectively when you pull the string.

osteoblast differentiation

The periosteum is also vital for bone growth and repair due to its ability to produce osteoblasts.
Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for bone formation.
When the body needs to grow or heal a bone, cells in the periosteum, known as progenitor cells, transform into osteoblasts.
This process is known as osteoblast differentiation.
Osteoblasts then secrete collagen and other substances necessary to form new bone tissue.
These processes ensure bones stay strong and healthy.
In simpler terms, the periosteum acts like a factory, manufacturing the essential workers (osteoblasts) needed for constructing and repairing the bone structure.

fibrous sheath of bones

The periosteum is a dense fibrous sheath that surrounds the outer surface of bones, except at joint surfaces.
This fibrous layer contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels, providing nourishment and sensation to the bone.
Think of the periosteum as a protective cover that not only secures everything together but also nourishes the bone and helps it feel and respond to injury or other changes.
The fibrous nature of the periosteum allows it to provide structural support and flexibility.
This helps distribute the load and pressure applied to bones during physical activities.
It also ensures that the bones can withstand stress without breaking easily.