How many bones are in the sternum?
Feb 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
The sternum of a normal adult consists of three bones connected together: the manubrium, the body of the sternum, and the xiphoid process. Located in the center of the anterior chest wall, the sternum is an irregular flat bone that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, convex anteriorly and concave posteriorly. It is primarily composed of the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. Together with the ribs and the vertebrae posteriorly, the sternum forms the framework of the thorax, providing protection for the internal organs within the thoracic cavity.
The sternum in a normal adult is composed of three connected bones: the manubrium, the body of the sternum, and the xiphoid process.
The sternum is located in the center of the anterior chest wall. It is an irregular, flat bone that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with a convex front and concave back. It consists mainly of the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. Together with the ribs and the vertebrae posteriorly, the sternum forms the bony framework of the thorax, protecting the internal organs within the chest cavity—especially the heart and lungs. Behind the sternum lies the mediastinum, which contains major blood vessels and the heart, making the sternum a structurally important bone. The sternum consists of cancellous bone with abundant bone marrow, and thus can sometimes serve as a site for bone marrow aspiration. Following trauma, sternal fractures may easily cause significant pain and swelling in the anterior chest wall, and may also lead to injury of intrathoracic organs, resulting in hemopneumothorax.
The sternum is a vital skeletal structure. It is important to maintain safety in daily life by avoiding traffic accidents and other traumatic injuries that could affect the body. Attention should also be paid to safety during physical exercise, particularly avoiding impacts to the anterior chest from hard objects. Regular exercise to improve physical fitness is recommended, along with a diet enriched with calcium-rich foods.
