The periosteum is the layer of dense connective tissue surrounding the surface of a bone. The sheath of tissue is made up of both compact and cancellous tissue containing nerves and blood vessels that carry nourishment for the bone. The periosteum also provides attachment for muscles, tendons and ligaments. As opposed to the bone itself, the periosteum contains the nerve endings of neurons (noisceptors) making the tissue perceptive to manipulation.
