Quick Facts
The circumferential lamella is one of the layers of bone that underlie the periosteum (external circumferential lamella) and endosteum (internal circumferential lamella) (Dorland, 2011).
Structure/Morphology
The external circumferential lamellae form lamellar rings that encompass the entire external circumference of the shaft of long bones, akin to the growth rings of a tree.
Anatomical Relations
The external circumferential lamellae demarcate the separation of bone tissue from the overlying periosteal layer.
Function
The external circumferential lamellae contribute to the diameter of the diaphysis in long bones. This helps maintain the strength of the bone as well as help it adapt to mechanical loading and stresses (Standring, 2016).
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series: Elsevier Limited.
