sternum

Introduction

Unpaired bone of thorax.

Structure

• forms the middle part of the anteriorwall of the thorax
• consists of 3 parts or processes:-
  • manubrium (pre-sternum)
  • sternal body (meso-sternum)
  • xiphoid process (meta-sternum)

Articulation

• articulates with cartilages of the 1st 7 ribs & with the clavicle

Pathology

• malformations of the sternum present nothing of surgical importance beyond the fact that abscesses of the mediastinum may sometimes escape through the sternal foramen

More general terms

• bone

More specific terms

• sternal foramen
• suprasternal space (Burns space)

Component of

• thoracic wall

Components

• sternal body
• sternebra
• manubriosternal joint
• xiphisternal joint/junction
• xiphoid process of sternum (meta-sternum, ensiform, xiphoid appendix, xiphisternum)
• manubrium of sternum