Final answer:
The periosteum is the thin membranous sheet that surrounds and protects the bone, facilitating bone repair and serving as an attachment point for tendons and ligaments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thin membranous sheet that covers the osseous or bony tissue is known as the periosteum. This fibrous membrane surrounds the outer surface of the bone, except in areas where the epiphyses meet other bones to form joints. The periosteum is rich in blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels that nourish the compact bone underneath. Tendons and ligaments also attach to the periosteum, providing an anchor for muscular connections to the bone. On the other hand, the internal surface of the bone is lined by a different membrane called the endosteum, which plays a crucial role in bone growth, repair, and remodeling.
Bone is a type of connective tissue that is integral to the organism's endoskeleton, consisting of a matrix of mineral salts and collagen fibers with specialized bone cells. The periosteum not only serves as a protective layer for bones but also assists in the healing process as it contains precursor cells that can develop into osteoblasts, which are critical for bone repair and regeneration.