What is the breastbone called?

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The breastbone is called the sternum. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a flat, elongated bone in three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Summary

The breastbone is called the sternum. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a flat, elongated bone in three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

What it is

  • A flat, elongated bone in three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
  • Forms the front wall of the chest.
  • Provides attachment for the clavicles and the upper seven pairs of ribs.

Where it is

  • In the midline of the front of the chest.
  • Between the two sets of ribs.
  • The manubrium joins the clavicles; the body joins the costal cartilages of the ribs.

Sources

According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):

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