The periosteum: what is it, where is it, and what mimics it in its absence?

Nearly every bone in the body is invested in periosteum. The periosteum is in some ways poorly understood and has been a subject of controversy and debate. This tissue has a major role in bone growth and bone repair and has an impact on the blood supply of bone as well as skeletal muscle. Despite the importance of the periosteum is has received little attention in the literature in recent years.