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Sternum

Sternum is the flat bone made by three parts (manubrium, corpus et processus xiphoideus) and synchodroses between them. Sternum stabilizes the ribs through their cartilages, limits the mobility of the thoracic spine, and, therefore, protects chest organs*.


  • * Liebsch C, et al. The rib cage stabilizes the human thoracic spine: An in vitro study using stepwise reduction of rib cage structures. PLoS ONE. 2017;12(6):e0178733–13.
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    Thoracic cage. Front view Sternum in situ
    Sternum in situ. The frontal aspect.

    Icon of crossfade image Sternum with the anatomical terminology markup
    Sternum. Frontal and anterior oblique view Sternum with the anatomical terminology
    Frontal and anterior oblique aspect of the sternum.
    The list of terms: Manumbrium sterni
    Corpus sterni – Body of sternum
    Processus xiphoideus – Xiphoid process
    Synchondrosis manubriosternalis – Manubriosternal synchondrosis
    Synchondrosis xiphisternalis – Xiphisternal synchondrosis
    Incisura jugularis – Jugular notch
    Incisura clavicularis – Clavicular notch
    Incisurae costales – Costal notches

    360° rotation of the sternum
    First published: Jun/2020
    Last update: 28/Nov/2020