Sternum

Synonyms in a broader sense

Manubrium sterni, sternum handle, corpus sterni, sternum body, sword process, xiphoid process, sternal angle, sternocostal joint, sternum-rib joint, sternum- clavicle joint, sternoclavicular joint Medical: Sternum

Anatomy

The sternum is made up of three parts:

• The sternum handle (Manubrium sterni)
• The sternum body (Corpus sterni)
• And the xiphoid process

Introduction

In the child all three parts are not yet fused together. In the course of life all parts ossify to one bone. The sternum handle represents the uppermost part of the sternum.

It is palpable under the larynx under the jugular incisura. The collar bone and the first rib are attached to the sternum handle. They form the clavicle – sternum – joint (sternoclavicular joint) and the rib – sternum – joint (sternocostal joint).

In the transition from the sternum handle to the sternum body, a small elevation can be felt, which is called the sternum angle (Angulus sterni). The second to seventh ribs are attached to the sternum body in an articulated manner (ribs – sternum – joint). Since red bone marrow is located in the sternum for blood formation, a bone marrow puncture can be performed above the sternum/stersternoid. In most cases, however, puncture is performed in the groin area, as there is little risk of injury to the heart and lungs in a sternal puncture. – Cervical spine

• Collarbone – breastbone – joint
• Sternal Handle
• Collarbone /Clavicle

Function

The sternum forms the thorax with the 12 ribs and 12 thoracic vertebrae. The sternum stabilizes the rib cage from the front and partially protects the lungs and heart. Via the rib – sternum – joints the ribs are movable and breathing becomes possible. The sternum is indirectly connected to the shoulder joint via the clavicle – sternum – joints.

Which muscles attach to the sternum?

There are two muscles that are in contact with the sternum. The larger of these is the pectoralis major muscle. This strong pectoral muscle originates from the breastbone, among other places, and attaches to the humerus.

Its functions are to pull the arm in, extend it and rotate it internally. In addition, its lower parts serve as breathing aid muscles. The second muscle that originates at the sternum is the Musculus transversus thoracis. This muscle moves from the underside of the sternum to the underside of the cricoid cartilage. It helps with exhalation and is supplied by the intercostal nerves.

What are the lymph nodes on the sternum?

Lymph nodes in the area of the breastbone are particularly important in breast cancer (breast cancer). There are three major lymph node stations that can be affected by cancer. Directly behind the breastbone (sternum) are the retrosternal lymph nodes.

These lymph nodes are also affected by Hodgkin’s lymphoma in cases of extremely widespread breast cancer. In addition, there are also the axillary lymph nodes in the area of the sternum, which are located on and under the armpit. Finally, there are the so-called supraclavicular lymph nodes, which are located above the collarbone. All these lymph nodes are connected to each other by thin lymph channels through which lymph flows.