Sternopericardiac ligaments

Sternopericardiac ligaments are fibrous bands of connective tissue that connect the pericardium to the posterior surface of the sternum. They are part of the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, and play a role in stabilizing the position of the heart within the thorax.

Anatomy

The sternopericardiac ligaments are typically composed of two or three fibrous strands. They originate from the posterior surface of the sternum and extend to the anterior surface of the pericardium, the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels. The ligaments are most commonly found at the level of the fourth and fifth costal cartilages, but their exact position can vary.

Function

The primary function of the sternopericardiac ligaments is to help stabilize the position of the heart within the thoracic cavity. By anchoring the pericardium to the sternum, they limit the movement of the heart, particularly during physical activity. This helps to maintain the alignment of the heart and the great vessels, which is important for efficient blood flow.

Clinical significance

Due to their location and function, sternopericardiac ligaments can be involved in various medical conditions and procedures. For example, they may be affected in cases of pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, or during open-heart surgery, when the sternum is split to access the heart. Knowledge of the anatomy and function of the sternopericardiac ligaments is therefore important in clinical anatomy and cardiothoracic surgery.

See also

• Pericardium
• Sternum
• Mediastinum
• Heart