Sternum

The sternum is a central bone located in the thoracic region of the human skeleton, playing a vital role in protecting the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury.

Sternum location

Sternum

Anatomy

The sternum is a long, flat bone situated in the center of the chest, connecting to the rib cage via costal cartilages. It serves as an anchor for the ribs at the front of the chest and supports the shoulder bones, making it essential for the stability of the chest wall.

Components

The sternum can be divided into three main parts:

• Manubrium: The uppermost portion, broad and quadrangular. It joins with the clavicles (collar bones) and the first pair of ribs.
• Body of the sternum (or Gladiolus): The central and longest part of the sternum. It attaches to the costal cartilages of the second through seventh ribs.
• Xiphoid process: The lowermost, small and cartilaginous part, which becomes ossified later in life. It is an important landmark for certain surgical procedures and CPR.

Function

• Protection: Acts as a shield for vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
• Structural Support: Provides stability to the skeletal structure of the thorax.
• Facilitating Movement: Assists in the movement of the chest during respiration.

Clinical Significance

The sternum and its position can be affected by various conditions and can be subject to surgeries:

• Sternal fractures: Often resulting from direct trauma or impact to the chest.
• Sternal wire complications: Issues arising post-cardiac surgery, where the sternum might be wired shut.
• Pectus excavatum: A congenital deformity resulting in a sunken sternum.
• Pectus carinatum: Opposite of Pectus Excavatum, where the sternum protrudes outward.
• Sternal tumors: Rare occurrences but might be primary or metastatic.

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  Sternum seen posteriorly

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  Sternum cut along the frontal plane showing interior of the bone

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  Sternum, lateral aspect

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  Computer-generated image of ribcage turntable highlighting the sternum

See also

This article uses anatomical terminology. For an overview, see Anatomical terminology.

• Pectus carinatum
• Pectus excavatum
• Rib cage
• Thoracic cavity
• Human skeleton

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