What is the name of the dense fibrous tissue membrane that lines the outer surface of the diaphysis?

The dense fibrous tissue membrane that lines the outer surface of the diaphysis is called the periosteum. This membrane serves several important functions, including providing a surface for the attachment of muscles and tendons, playing a crucial role in the growth and repair of bone, and containing blood vessels that nourish the underlying bone tissue. The periosteum helps to protect the bone and is involved in the bone remodeling process, ensuring that the bone adapts to stress and strain.

In contrast, the endosteum lines the inner surface of the bone, specifically the medullary cavity, and is involved in bone growth and repair from the inside. The marrow cavity refers to the hollow center of the diaphysis, which contains bone marrow, essential for producing blood cells. Articular cartilage is a smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones at the joints, enabling smooth movement and reducing friction during joint motion. Each of these other options plays distinct roles in the skeletal system, but the periosteum is specifically the outer covering of the diaphysis.