where is the sternum

2 min read 14-03-2025

The sternum, also known as the breastbone, is a long, flat bone located in the center of your chest. It's a crucial part of your skeletal system, playing a vital role in protecting your heart and lungs. Understanding its location and function is key to appreciating its importance.

Understanding the Sternum's Location

The sternum is easily located in the middle of your chest, directly behind your breast tissue. If you run your fingers down the middle of your chest, you'll feel the firm, slightly ridged bone. It's positioned superiorly (towards the head) to the diaphragm and inferiorly (towards the feet) to the clavicles (collarbones).

Sternum Anatomy: Three Main Parts

The sternum isn't just one solid piece of bone. It's comprised of three distinct sections:

Manubrium: The topmost portion of the sternum. It articulates (connects) with the clavicles (collarbones) and the first two ribs.
Body (Gladiolus): The largest and longest part of the sternum, forming the main body of the breastbone. It connects with ribs 2 through 7.
Xiphoid Process: The small, pointed structure at the bottom of the sternum. It’s often cartilaginous in younger individuals and ossifies (turns to bone) with age. This is a common point of reference for CPR chest compressions.

Why is Knowing the Sternum's Location Important?

Understanding the sternum's location is important for several reasons:

Medical Examinations: Doctors often use the sternum as a landmark during physical examinations, particularly when assessing the heart and lungs.
CPR: During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the correct hand placement is centered over the lower half of the sternum, just above the xiphoid process. Accurate placement is crucial for effective compressions.
Surgical Procedures: The sternum's location is essential in various surgical procedures involving the heart, lungs, or chest cavity.
Injury Assessment: Knowing the sternum's location is vital in assessing injuries to the chest, helping to identify potential fractures or damage to underlying organs.

What are some conditions affecting the Sternum?

Several conditions can affect the sternum:

Sternum Fracture: A break in the sternum, often caused by trauma to the chest, such as a car accident or contact sports injury. Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and tenderness to the touch.
Sternum Pain (Sternalgia): Pain in the sternum, which can have various causes, including muscle strain, costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum), or underlying medical conditions.
Sternal cleft: A congenital condition where the sternum doesn’t fully fuse during fetal development, creating a gap or cleft in the bone.

Note: If you experience any pain or discomfort in your sternum, consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Visualizing the Sternum: Images and Resources

Several excellent online resources can help you visualize the sternum's location and anatomy. Searching for "sternum anatomy" on reputable medical websites (like those associated with major universities or medical organizations) will provide detailed images and diagrams. Medical textbooks and anatomy atlases also provide detailed illustrations.

Conclusion

The sternum, or breastbone, is a vital part of your skeletal system, playing a key protective role in your chest cavity. Understanding its location is critical for medical assessments, emergency procedures like CPR, and recognizing potential injuries or conditions. By learning about the sternum's three parts—the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process—you can better understand this important bone and its role in your overall health. Remember to always consult a medical professional for any concerns about your health or potential injuries.