Sternal foramen

Sternal Foramen

The sternal foramen is a natural anatomical variation that occurs in the sternum, or breastbone, of the human body. It is a hole that is present in the body of the sternum, and is considered a normal variant of human anatomy.

Anatomy

The sternum is a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest. It connects to the rib cage via the costal cartilage, and forms part of the anterior thoracic wall. The sternum is divided into three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The sternal foramen is most commonly found in the body of the sternum.

Occurrence

The sternal foramen is not present in all individuals. It is estimated to occur in approximately 5% of the population. The size and location of the foramen can vary, but it is typically located near the midline of the sternum.

Clinical Significance

While the sternal foramen is generally asymptomatic and does not cause any health problems, it can have clinical significance in certain situations. For example, during procedures such as sternal puncture or acupuncture, the presence of a sternal foramen can increase the risk of complications such as injury to the mediastinum or pericardium. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to be aware of this anatomical variation.

See Also

• Sternum
• Foramen
• Human anatomy