What is the membrane lining the medullary canal of a bone called?

The membrane lining the medullary canal of a bone is called the endosteum. This specialized tissue plays a crucial role in bone health and maintenance. It is composed of a thin layer of connective tissue and is involved in the growth, repair, and remodeling of bone. The endosteum contains cells that are essential for bone formation (osteoblasts) and resorption (osteoclasts). By lining the medullary canal, the endosteum helps to regulate the activity of these cells, contributing to the overall homeostasis of the bone tissue.

In contrast, the other options refer to different membranes or layers found in other parts of the body. The peritoneum is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering abdominal organs, the endocardium is the innermost layer of the heart, and the myocardium refers to the muscular layer of the heart itself. Each of these serves specific functions related to their respective systems, but none pertain to the bone structure in the same way that the endosteum does.