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3D OSTEOLOGY
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STERNUM ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Sternum anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing manubrium, sternal body, xiphoid process, clavicular notches, and costal notches
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

What is the sternum?

  • Long, flat bone located in the center of your anterior thoracic wall
  • Divided into three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process

What does the sternum protect?

  • Protects vital organs including your heart, lungs, and major blood vessels
  • Supports your respiratory movements by serving as a stable attachment point for the ribs
  • Contributes to the flexibility and functionality of your thoracic cage

MANUBRIUM

Manubrium of sternum 360-degree viewer showing clavicular notches, jugular notch, and sternal angle
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What is the manubrium?

  • Upper section of the sternum, characterized by its triangular shape
  • Wider and thicker at the top, gradually narrowing toward the bottom
  • Connects with your clavicles and the first two pairs of ribs
  • Provides structural support and facilitates your upper limb movement

Clavicular Notches

What are the clavicular notches?

  • Oval-shaped surfaces on the upper edge of the manubrium
  • Facilitate the joining of the manubrium with your clavicles
  • Allow for your upper limb movement

Jugular Notch

What is the jugular notch?

  • Central dip at the top of the manubrium
  • Located between the points where your clavicles meet the sternum
  • Serves as an important anatomical landmark

Sternal Angle

What is the sternal angle?

  • Prominent ridge at the junction of the manubrium and the body of the sternum
  • Also called the Angle of Louis
  • Runs horizontally across your chest and serves as a key reference point for anatomical examination

STERNAL BODY

Body of sternum 360-degree viewer showing costal notches for attachment of third to seventh ribs
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What is the sternal body?

  • Elongated, thinner section located below the manubrium, extending down to the xiphoid process
  • Serves as a crucial attachment point for your third to seventh ribs via costal cartilages
  • Plays a key role in forming your thoracic cage and supporting your respiratory movements
  • Contributes to the overall stability and flexibility of your thoracic wall

Costal Notches

What are the costal notches?

  • Indentations along the sides of the sternum
  • Provide attachment points for your rib cartilages
  • Form a stable connection between your ribs and the sternum

XIPHOID PROCESS

Xiphoid process of sternum showing the smallest and most inferior part of the sternum, initially cartilaginous and ossifying with age
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Xiphoid Process of the Sternum, Preview from the app. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Sourced from 3D OSTEOLOGY.

What is the xiphoid process?

  • Smallest and most variable part of the sternum
  • Located at the lowest point of the sternum
  • Initially cartilaginous, ossifies with age to become rigid in adulthood

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.