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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Adductors
    Muscles that bring the thighs toward the midline.
    Femur
    Thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Patellar Tendon
    Tendon connecting the patella to the tibia.
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.

    Sternum

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.

    1. Overview

    The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat, elongated bone located in the center of the anterior thoracic wall. It forms the anterior portion of the rib cage and provides protection to vital thoracic organs, including the heart and major blood vessels. The sternum also serves as an essential anchor point for ribs and clavicles.

    2. Location

    The sternum is situated in the midline of the anterior thorax:

    • Anterior to: The heart, great vessels, and upper mediastinum.

    • Medial to: The ribs and costal cartilages.

    • Superiorly: Articulates with the clavicles and the first pair of ribs.

    • Inferiorly: Ends just above the xiphoid process and costal arch.

    3. Structure

    The sternum is a flat bone composed of three parts:

    • Manubrium:

      • Uppermost, triangular portion.

      • Articulates with the clavicles (at the sternoclavicular joints) and first two pairs of ribs.

      • Features include the jugular (suprasternal) notch and clavicular notches.

    • Body (gladiolus):

      • Longest central portion of the sternum.

      • Articulates with costal cartilages of ribs 2 to 7.

      • Connected to the manubrium at the sternal angle (Angle of Louis), a key clinical landmark.

    • Xiphoid process:

      • Small, cartilaginous projection at birth that ossifies with age.

      • May vary in shape and size; serves as an attachment for muscles like the diaphragm and rectus abdominis.

    The sternum has an internal spongy bone structure with a thin layer of compact bone externally and is rich in red bone marrow.

    4. Function

    The sternum performs several structural and protective roles:

    • Protects thoracic organs: Shields the heart, great vessels, and part of the lungs from trauma.

    • Attachment point: Provides anchorage for ribs (via costal cartilages) and clavicles, maintaining the structural integrity of the thoracic cage.

    • Supports respiration: Moves slightly during breathing, facilitating thoracic expansion and contraction.

    • Muscle origin: Serves as an attachment site for the pectoralis major, sternocleidomastoid, sternohyoid, and other muscles.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Though primarily structural, the sternum contributes to physiological processes:

    • Hematopoiesis: Contains red bone marrow, especially in the manubrium and body, active in producing blood cells.

    • Landmark for procedures: Used for sternal puncture or bone marrow biopsy in adults.

    • Postural alignment: Acts as a central anchor for rib movements and spinal posture in the thoracic region.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The sternum plays a role in various clinical and surgical contexts:

    • Sternal fractures:

      • Often due to blunt trauma (e.g., motor vehicle collisions); can injure underlying heart or great vessels.

    • Sternal angle (Angle of Louis):

      • Important landmark for rib counting and auscultation; marks the level of the 2nd rib and bifurcation of the trachea.

    • Sternal puncture:

      • Used to access bone marrow in diagnostics for leukemia, lymphoma, or anemia.

    • Mediastinal surgery:

      • The sternum is often divided (median sternotomy) to access the heart and lungs in procedures like open-heart surgery.

    • Xiphoid process issues:

      • Can cause xiphodynia—pain or discomfort from inflammation or trauma.

    • Congenital anomalies:

      • Includes cleft sternum or pectus carinatum/excavatum, which may require surgical correction for functional or cosmetic reasons.

    Did you know? Your spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column.