where is the sternum located

2 min read 11-03-2025

The sternum, also known as the breastbone, is a long, flat bone located in the central part of the chest. Understanding its precise location is crucial for understanding chest anatomy and related medical conditions. This article will detail the sternum's location, its anatomical features, and its importance.

Sternum Location: The Center of Your Chest

The sternum sits right in the middle of your chest, anterior (front) to the heart and major blood vessels. It's easily palpable, meaning you can feel it through your skin, especially in thinner individuals. To locate it yourself, run your fingers down the middle of your chest; you'll feel a fairly rigid, vertical bone.

Anatomical Relationships

The sternum's location is defined by its relationship to other anatomical structures:

Clavicles (Collarbones): The sternum articulates (joins) with the clavicles at the sternoclavicular joints, forming part of the shoulder girdle.
Ribs: The sternum connects directly to the first seven pairs of ribs (true ribs) via costal cartilages. These cartilages are flexible and allow for chest expansion during breathing.
Heart and Lungs: The sternum lies directly anterior to the heart and major blood vessels. The lungs are positioned on either side of the sternum.

Sternum Anatomy: Three Parts Make a Whole

The sternum is divided into three parts:

Manubrium: The superior (top) part of the sternum. It's somewhat trapezoidal in shape and articulates with the clavicles and the first rib. The jugular notch (suprasternal notch), a visible dip at the top of the sternum, is a key landmark.
Body (Gladiolus): The longest part of the sternum, located centrally. It articulates with the costal cartilages of ribs 2 through 7.
Xiphoid Process: The smallest and most inferior (bottom) part. This cartilaginous structure is often pointed and can vary significantly in shape and size between individuals. It ossifies (turns to bone) later in life.

Why is Sternum Location Important?

Knowing the location of the sternum is important for several reasons:

Medical Procedures: Many medical procedures, such as open-heart surgery and biopsies, involve accessing structures behind the sternum. Precise knowledge of its location is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of these procedures.
Trauma Assessment: In cases of chest trauma, the sternum can be fractured. Accurate location and assessment are vital for diagnosis and treatment.
Anatomical Studies: Understanding the sternum's location and relationships to surrounding structures is fundamental to anatomy and physiology studies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I feel my sternum?

A: Yes, the sternum is usually palpable (able to be felt) in the middle of the chest.

Q: What is the purpose of the sternum?

A: The sternum's primary function is to provide structural support to the chest cavity, protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs. It also provides attachment points for the ribs and clavicles, enabling breathing and upper body movement.

Q: What happens if my sternum is injured?

A: Injuries to the sternum can range from minor bruising to fractures, which can be quite painful and require medical attention. Severe injuries can compromise the function of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Conclusion

The sternum's location at the center of the chest is key to its protective and structural role. Its anatomical relationships with the ribs, clavicles, heart, and lungs are crucial for understanding its function and importance in various medical contexts. By understanding its location and anatomy, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and elegance of the human body.