Sternum Bone, Anterior View

Description

Anteriorly, the male sternum is presented as a midline flat bone composed of the manubrium sterni superiorly, the corpus sterni, and the xiphoid process inferiorly. The jugular (suprasternal) notch and paired clavicular notches mark the superior border, while costal notches along the lateral margins articulate with the costal cartilages of ribs 1 to 7. The sternal angle at the manubriosternal joint creates a palpable transverse ridge just inferior to the level of the second costal cartilages. Clear landmarks. Clinically, the anterior sternum is a working surface: median sternotomy splits the body of the sternum to access the heart and great vessels, and closure depends on the thickness and integrity of the sternal body and xiphoid region. The sternal angle is the bedside landmark for counting ribs and intercostal spaces, so it anchors teaching of pleural reflection, chest tube placement level selection, and auscultation points. Xiphoid anatomy also matters in resuscitation, since low hand placement during CPR risks xiphoid fracture with liver injury. Use this illustration for gross anatomy and surface anatomy teaching in thorax blocks, and for surgical education materials describing sternotomy approach, sternal wire closure, or sternal precautions after cardiac surgery. It also fits radiology and clinical skills publications that correlate palpable sternal landmarks with PA chest radiograph levels and CT axial slice orientation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.