What are the main functions of the sternum in the human body?

The sternum, or breastbone, protects vital organs like the heart and lungs, supports the rib cage, and provides attachment points for various muscles involved in respiration and upper limb movement.

What are the different parts of the sternum, and how are they structured?

The sternum, or breastbone, consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body (or gladiolus), and the xiphoid process. The manubrium is the broad, upper part; the body is the elongated central portion; and the xiphoid process is the small, cartilaginous lower tip, which may ossify with age.

What are common sternum-related injuries or conditions?

Common sternum-related injuries or conditions include fractures (often due to trauma such as car accidents), costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum), and sternal dehiscence (separation of the sternum after surgery). Other conditions may include sternoclavicular joint dislocation or inflammation.

What is the location and role of the sternum in connecting with other bones in the thoracic region?

The sternum, or breastbone, is located in the central part of the chest and serves as a key structure in the thoracic region. It connects with the clavicles (collarbones) and the first seven pairs of ribs, forming part of the rib cage, which protects vital organs like the heart and lungs.

What is the significance of the sternum in medical imaging and diagnosis?

The sternum is significant in medical imaging and diagnosis as it serves as a landmark for assessing the central portion of the chest, evaluating conditions like fractures, thoracic trauma, mediastinal masses, and bone marrow disorders. Its visibility in X-rays and CT scans aids in diagnosing underlying heart, lung, and vascular issues.

What part of the sternum is responsible for stabilizing the shoulder girdle?

The manubrium connects with the clavicles to stabilize the shoulder girdle.

What role does costal cartilage play in the rib cage?

Provides flexibility and elasticity for breathing while joining ribs to sternum.

How do true ribs differ from false ribs?

True ribs connect directly to the sternum via costal cartilage.

What is the significance of the xiphoid process in CPR?

The xiphoid process is a muscular attachment point for shoulder muscles.

How does the sternum assist in the respiratory system?

By aiding rib cage expansion and facilitating lung inflation.

Sternum Anatomy: Definition & Function

sternum anatomy

The sternum, also known as the breastbone, is a flat, elongated bone located in the center of the chest and serves as a key component of the rib cage, protecting critical organs such as the heart and lungs. It consists of three main parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process, and articulates with the clavicles and the first seven pairs of ribs. Understanding the anatomy of the sternum is crucial for comprehending its role in thoracic stability and respiratory mechanics, as well as its significance in medical procedures like CPR.

Get started

Sternum Anatomy Overview

The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat bone located at the center of your chest. It plays a vital role in protecting the heart and lungs and offers a connection point for the ribs, forming part of the rib cage.

Sternum Anatomy Definition

The sternum is a central chest plate bone running along the midline of the chest. It is comprised of three distinct parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Learning about the sternum will help you understand how the thoracic cage functions.The sternum has several critical roles, including:

Protecting vital organs such as the heart and lungs
Serving as an anchoring structure for the ribs and clavicles
Assisting in the respiratory process by providing support

Each component of the sternum serves its unique purposes, enhancing its overall functionality within the thoracic structure.

For instance, a fracture in the sternum, often due to direct trauma, can compromise the protective cage for the lungs and heart. Understanding this anatomy helps in diagnosing injuries effectively.

Anatomy of Sternum Regions

The sternum is divided into three regions, each with specific characteristics and roles within the chest structure. Here's a brief overview of those regions:Manubrium: The uppermost and broadest section of the sternum, forming the top part of the chest, which connects to the clavicles and the first pair of ribs.Body: Also known as the 'gladiolus,' this elongated middle section connects to the manubrium at its upper end and the xiphoid process at its lower end. It serves as a major attachment point for the true ribs.Xiphoid Process: A small, cartilaginous section at birth that typically ossifies in adults. It forms the lower tip of the sternum and has limited articulation.

The term 'xiphoid process' is derived from the Greek word 'xiphos,' meaning sword, due to its pointed shape.

The joint between the manubrium and the body of the sternum is known as the sternal angle or 'angle of Louis.' This is a palpable landmark often used by healthcare professionals to count ribs and locate thoracic structures accurately. It's interesting to note that the sternal angle occurs at the level of the second rib, allowing precise localization of the rib numbers, important during clinical assessments and procedures.

Anatomy of Ribs and Sternum

Understanding the interaction between the ribs and sternum is essential in grasping how your thoracic skeleton plays a role in protection and respiratory function. The ribs are not only for protection but also crucial in enabling breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity.

Structural Connection Between Ribs and Sternum

The ribs connect to the sternum via cartilage, providing flexibility and strength. This connection forms a central part of the rib cage, protecting vital organs such as the heart and lungs.Here's a brief breakdown of this connection:

Sternum: The centerpiece of the chest, anchoring the rib cage
True Ribs (1-7): Directly attached to the sternum via costal cartilage
False Ribs (8-10): Connect indirectly to the sternum through cartilage of the rib above
Floating Ribs (11-12): Not connected to the sternum but anchored at the back by the spine

These connections contribute to the rigid yet flexible structure of the thorax, providing protection while allowing lung expansion during breathing.

For example, during a physical impact to the chest, this connection between the ribs and sternum helps absorb shock and protect internal organs.

The first rib is hidden behind the clavicle, making it difficult to palpate.

The rib-sternum connection not only serves in respiration but also plays a part in the acoustics of the human voice. The rib cage acts as a resonating chamber, enhancing the quality of the sound produced by the vocal cords.

Role of Costal Cartilage

Costal cartilage plays a pivotal role in the thoracic cage by joining the ribs to the sternum.Functions of costal cartilage include:

Providing flexibility to the rib cage, enabling expansion during breathing
Contributing to the overall structure and stability of the chest
Acting as cushioning to minimize impact trauma

The strength of the rib cage relies on the durability and elasticity of the costal cartilage.

Costal cartilage is a type of elastic connective tissue that connects the ribs to the sternum, allowing the rib cage to maintain its shape while enabling movement.

Interestingly, costal cartilage can calcify with age, leading to increased rigidity of the rib cage. This process is typically gradual and may impact breathing capacity in elderly individuals.

Sternum Bone Anatomy

The sternum, an integral part of the human skeletal system, plays a crucial role in forming the rib cage and protecting internal organs. It consists of three main parts, which will be explored below.

Manubrium Structure

The manubrium is the uppermost section of the sternum, distinguished by its broad and trapezoid shape.Key characteristics of the manubrium include:

It connects with the clavicles (collarbones) to stabilize the shoulder girdle.
The top border of the manubrium is called the suprasternal notch, a visible dip between the neck and collarbones.
Manubrium's lower edge articulates with the body of the sternum at the sternal angle, an important landmark in thoracic anatomy.

The manubrium's design provides vital attachment points for muscles that manage the upper limbs and shoulders.

For example, during a physical examination, the suprasternal notch can be used by a doctor as a reference point to evaluate thyroid gland enlargement.

The manubrium, deriving from the Latin word for 'handle', holds an intriguing evolutionary purpose. This bone allows for the attachment of neck and chest muscles that helped early humans in activities such as running and climbing, vital for survival.

Body of Sternum Details

The body of the sternum, or gladiolus, is the longest part of the sternum, making up the central portion.Features of the body include:

It serves as the attachment for the true ribs (ribs 2-7) through costal cartilages, forming the chest structure.
The sternal angle, where it joins with the manubrium, marks the level of the second rib, facilitating the rib count process during medical procedures.
The sternum's body is flattened, offering a stable surface for rib articulation and protection for thoracic organs.

It provides a robust and supportive base for chest muscles and structural support against impacts.

The term 'gladiolus' means 'little sword', inspired by the body's resemblance to a sword's blade.

Xiphoid Process Characteristics

The xiphoid process is the smallest and most variable part of the sternum, notable for its cartilaginous nature which ossifies with age.Noteworthy aspects of the xiphoid process include:

At birth, it is predominantly cartilaginous and only ossifies completely after middle age.
It acts as an attachment site for muscles of the anterior abdominal wall such as the diaphragm.
The xiphoid process can be a landmark in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), highlighting the lower limit of chest compressions.

The xiphoid process serves minor but essential roles in the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems.

Consider the cultural and clinical significance of the xiphoid process in ancient medicine, where its unusual shape would often be attributed mystical properties. Today, it serves practical uses in clinical anatomy but continues to engage interest due to its variability among individuals.

Sternum Anatomy Function

The sternum is central to the structure and function of the thoracic skeleton. Its primary functions involve protecting vital organs, assisting in respiration, and providing attachment points for muscles.

Importance in Respiratory System

The sternum plays a significant role in the respiratory system, particularly during the mechanics of breathing.When you inhale, your rib cage expands. The sternum moves slightly upwards and outwards, contributing to the increase in thoracic volume necessary for lung expansion.Important interactions include:

Aid in Lung Expansion: By moving with the rib cage, the sternum ensures adequate space for lung inflation.
Rib Articulation: The sternum provides an anchor for the first seven ribs, enabling thoracic expansion.
Muscular Attachment: Provides attachment for muscles like the intercostals, which aid in the respiratory movement.

This functionality is vital for regular breathing, ensuring efficient air exchange and maintaining oxygen supply to the body.

For instance, during intense physical activity, deeper breaths rely on the full movement of the rib cage and sternum, maximizing lung capacity.

The nuanced role of the sternum in breathing can be further explored in practices like yoga or pilates, where controlled breathing techniques emphasize the conscious expansion and contraction of the chest, highlighting the sternum's flexibility and cooperation with the rib cage.

Protective Role of Sternum

The sternum is a crucial component for protection in the human body, forming the front part of the rib cage, sheltering vital organs from potential harm.Elements of its protective role include:

Shielding Organs: It covers the heart and lungs, critical organs susceptible to damage from external impacts.
Structural Support: Provides a firm base for the rib array, distributing any force across the chest.
Impact Absorption: The rigid nature of the sternum helps in absorbing shocks, reducing the risk of injury to the organs it protects.

Its strategic location and structure are essential in maintaining the safety of the thoracic cavity, combining defense with flexibility.

The rib cage, formed together with the sternum, acts as a comprehensive protective barrier for the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels located in the thoracic cavity.

The sternum was historically thought to play a role in protecting the soul, as early anatomists considered it nearby the heart to have a spiritual foundation.

sternum anatomy - Key takeaways

Sternum Anatomy Definition: The sternum, also known as the breastbone, is a flat bone central to the chest, consisting of three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
Anatomy of Sternum Components: The anatomy of the sternum includes the manubrium (upper section), body (middle part), and xiphoid process (lower tip).
Anatomy of Ribs and Sternum: The ribs connect to the sternum, forming part of the rib cage; true ribs directly attach, false ribs connect indirectly, and floating ribs do not attach to the sternum.
Sternum Anatomy Function: The sternum protects vital organs, anchors ribs and clavicles, assists in respiration, and supports thoracic stability.
Sternum Bone Anatomy: The sternum contributes to the skeletal system, providing critical protection and structural connection within the chest.
Structural Connection: Costal cartilage connects the ribs to the sternum, allowing flexibility for breathing and shock absorption.

sternum anatomy

StudySmarter Editorial Team