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The sternum (or breastbone) is a flat bone located at the anterior aspect of the thorax. It lies in the midline of the chest and has a ‘T’ shape. As part of the bony thoracic wall, the sternum helps protect the internal thoracic viscera – such as the heart, lungs and oesophagus. In this article, we shall look at the osteology of the sternum – its constituent parts, articulations, and clinical correlations. The sternum , commonly known as the breastbone, is a long, narrow flat bone that serves as the keystone of the rib cage and stabilizes the thoracic skeleton. Several muscles that move the arms, head, and neck have their origins on the sternum . The sternum (plural: sterna or sternums) is the anterior midline chest wall bone plate that articulates with clavicles and ribs. It is composed of 3 parts (from superior to inferior): the manubrium, sternal body and xiphoid process. Gross anatomy... The sternum develops as three distinct parts: The manubrium is flat and four-sided, wider superiorly The body is a flat rectangular bone that has facets on its lateral border for articulation with the ribs. It is: approximately 20 cm long; 3-4 cm wide; 1 cm thick The xiphoid process is a thin bony projection inferiorly They articulate via secondary cartilaginous joints via hyaline cartilage with a fibrocartilaginous intervening disc. [1]
