Sternal

Sternal refers to the sternum, the flat bone located in the center of the chest, which connects to the rib bones via cartilage, forming the anterior section of the rib cage and protecting the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury.

Anatomy

The sternum is a long, flat bone, forming the middle part of the human rib cage. It is connected to the first seven pairs of ribs. Its parts from top to bottom are the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The manubrium is the broad, upper part of the sternum. The body, or gladiolus, is the longest part of the sternum. The xiphoid process is the lower, narrow part of the sternum.

Clinical significance

The sternum is a significant bone in the body as it helps protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury. It is also a common site for bone marrow biopsies due to its accessibility. In addition, the sternum is involved in several clinical conditions, including sternal fractures, pectus excavatum, and sternal cleft.

See also

• Sternum
• Rib cage
• Thoracic diaphragm
• Thoracic cavity

References

Sternal Resources
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