What function does the periosteum serve in long bones?

The periosteum serves crucial functions for long bones, and its primary role is to act as a protective covering on the outer surface of the bone. This dense layer of connective tissue not only protects the bone but also serves as an attachment point for muscles and tendons, aiding in the overall stability and movement of the skeletal system.

The periosteum plays a vital role in nourishing the bone through its blood supply and is involved in the growth and repair processes of the bone. This tissue contains osteoblasts, which are essential for bone formation, making the periosteum significant in maintaining the health and functionality of bones.

Other options mentioned do not accurately describe the primary function of the periosteum. While providing protection for the ends of bones is important, it is specifically the periosteum that functions in a more comprehensive protective capacity over the entire outer surface. Articulating and forming joints pertains to cartilage at the ends of bones rather than the periosteum, and yellow bone marrow is found within the medullary cavity of long bones, not within the periosteum itself.