Which layer of dense connective tissue is found on the external surfaces of bones?

The periosteum is a dense connective tissue that serves as a protective layer covering the outer surfaces of bones. It plays several important roles, including providing a site for the attachment of muscles and tendons, housing blood vessels and nerves that supply the bone, and facilitating the healing process in bone injuries. The periosteum is composed of an outer fibrous layer that is dense and supportive, and an inner cambium layer that is more cellular and involved in bone growth and repair.

Understanding the specific structure of the periosteum is crucial for professionals working in fields related to orthopedic health and rehabilitation, as well as those fitting mastectomy garments, where an appreciation of the body’s anatomy, including its connective tissues, is necessary for providing proper support and care. The other options refer to different types of tissues or layers that do not encapsulate bones, highlighting the unique function of the periosteum in relation to skeletal health.