STERNUM ANATOMY

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Long, flat bone located in the center of the anterior thoracic wall
• Divided into three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process
• Protects vital organs including the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels
• Supports respiratory movements by serving as a stable attachment point for the ribs
• Contributes to the flexibility and functionality of the thoracic cage

MANUBRIUM

• Upper section of the sternum, characterized by its triangular shape
• Wider and thicker at the top, gradually narrowing toward the bottom
• Connects with the clavicles and the first two pairs of ribs
• Provides structural support and facilitates upper limb movement

Clavicular Notches

• Oval-shaped surfaces on the upper edge of the manubrium
• Facilitate the joining of the manubrium with the clavicles
• Allow for upper limb movement

Jugular Notch

• Central dip at the top of the manubrium
• Located between the points where the clavicles meet the sternum
• Serves as an important anatomical landmark

Sternal Angle

• Prominent ridge at the junction of the manubrium and the body of the sternum
• Also called the Angle of Louis
• Runs horizontally across the chest and serves as a key reference point for anatomical examination

STERNAL BODY

• Elongated, thinner section located below the manubrium, extending down to the xiphoid process
• Serves as a crucial attachment point for the third to seventh ribs via costal cartilages
• Plays a key role in forming the thoracic cage and supporting respiratory movements
• Contributes to the overall stability and flexibility of the thoracic wall

Costal Notches

• Indentations along the sides of the sternum
• Provide attachment points for rib cartilages
• Form a stable connection between the ribs and the sternum

XIPHOID PROCESS

• Smallest and most variable part of the sternum
• Located at the lowest point of the sternum
• Initially cartilaginous, ossifies with age to become rigid in adulthood