sternum
Sign in to saveThe sternum (: sternums or sterna) or breastbone is a long flat bone located in the central part of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury. Shaped roughly like a necktie, it is one of the largest and longest flat bones of the body. Its three regions are the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The word sternum originates from Ancient Greek στέρνον (stérnon) 'chest'.
AI overview
The sternum, or breastbone, is a long flat bone in the center of your chest that connects to your ribs and forms the front of your rib cage. It plays a crucial protective role by shielding your heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Bone.Name
- Sternum
- Bone.Latin
- sternum
- Bone.Image
- Sternum composition.png
- Bone.Caption
- Parts of the sternum: manubrium (green), body (blue), xiphoid process (purple)
- Bone.Image2
- Sternum front.png
- Bone.Caption2
- Position of the sternum (red)
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
22 sectionsContents
- Structure
- Manubrium
- Body
- Xiphoid process
- Joints
- Development
- Variations
- Clinical significance
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Sternal opening
- Fractures
- Dislocation
- Sternotomy
- Resection
- Bifid sternum or sternal cleft
- Other animals
- Arthropods
- Etymology
- Additional images
- See also
- References
- External links
The sternum (: sternums or sterna) or breastbone is a long flat bone located in the central part of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury. Shaped roughly like a necktie, it is one of the largest and longest flat bones of the body. Its three regions are the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The word sternum originates from Ancient Greek στέρνον (stérnon) 'chest'.
== Structure== The sternum is a narrow, flat bone, forming the middle portion of the front of the chest. The top of the sternum supports the clavicles (collarbones) and its edges join with the costal cartilages of the first two pairs of ribs. The inner surface of the sternum is also the attachment of the sternopericardial ligaments. Its top is also connected to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The sternum consists of three main parts, listed from the top: Manubrium Body (gladiolus) Xiphoid process