sternum Flashcards
(7 cards)
the thoriac cage
The thoracic cage is made up of the sternum, thoracic vertebrae, and ribs. It acts like a cage that protects vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. Cartilage also plays a role by connecting the ribs to the sternum and adding flexibility.
the sturnum the manibrium the body and xiohoid process
Basically, the sternum is a flat bone made up of three parts: the manubrium (top part), the body (middle), and the xiphoid process (bottom). It connects to the first 7 pairs of ribs through costal cartilage.
juglar notch
A concave notch at the top of the manubrium (upper part of the sternum).
It can be easily felt (palpated) at the front of the neck/chest.
It’s usually located at the level of the third thoracic vertebra (T3).
sternal angle
The sternal angle is the transverse ridge where the manubrium (top part of the sternum) meets the body (middle part). It lines up with the second rib and helps doctors locate the ribs and the second intercostal space, which is an important spot to listen to heart sounds with a stethoscope.
xiphsternal joint
The joint where the sternal body and xiphoid process meet and fuse.
Located at the level of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9).
sternum puncture
Basically, doctors insert a needle into the sternum to collect blood-forming (hematopoietic) tissue because the sternum is close to the body surface. The hematopoietic tissue is found in the bone marrow of the sternum. Doctors have to be very careful during this procedure because the heart is located directly behind the sternum.
the ribs
True Ribs (1–7):
Each has its own costal cartilage that connects directly to the sternum.
✅ False Ribs (8–12):
Ribs 8–10: Have costal cartilage, but it connects indirectly to the sternum by joining the cartilage of rib 7 (a true rib).
Ribs 11–12: Do not connect to the sternum at all—not directly or indirectly—so they are called floating ribs.
