What is the function of the periosteum?
The function of the outer cell layer, the stratum fibrosum, is closely related to the position and course of the collagen fibers or Sharpey fibers. These fibers have a high tensile strength and also exhibit a certain elasticity. Since the Sharpey fibers pass through the inner cell layer and end in the hard substance of the bone, they provide an anchorage.
This means that the stratum fibrosum fixes the entire periosteum to the outer bone surface. The function of the inner cell layer, the stratum osteogenicum, is more diverse. On the one hand, the presence of stem cells, which in contrast to the majority of cells in the body can still specialize in several types of tissue, can have a significant influence on fracture healing.
The nerves of the inner cell layer serve to transmit information to the central nervous system. Among other things, pain stimuli are processed in this process. The blood vessels of the stratum osteogenicum serve primarily to nourish the periosteum and bone. However, like stem cells, they can also play an important role in fracture healing by providing nutrients and cells for this purpose.
Fracture healing through the periosteum
In the case of a fracture of the bone, the inner cell layer of the periosteum plays a major role. On the one hand, the stem cells of the stratum osteogenicum are of essential importance. If a bone fracture occurs, these stem cells divide into two daughter cells.
One of these cells retains the function of the stem cells and is still able to divide and transform into different types of tissue. The other cell is called osteoblast after division. After division, the osteoblast is able to form a precursor of the bone substance, the osteoid, and thus close the fracture gap.
In the following, the cell completely integrates itself with the osteoid.This cell is then called osteocyte. The osteocyte transforms this substance into finished bone substance. On the other hand, the nutrients that reach the bone and periosteum through the blood vessels are of great importance for the healing of a bone fracture.
Because of the close proximity of the inner cell layer to the bone, the nutrients can easily reach the cells that form the bone substance. By diffusion, the nutrients bridge the last part of the way from the vessels to the osteoblasts. More information about how to treat a bone fracture homeopathically can be found here: Homeopathy for bone fractures
