Presternal Region of the Thorax, Anterior View

Description

Centered on the anterior midline of the thorax, the presternal region overlies the sternum from the jugular (suprasternal) notch superiorly down to the xiphoid process inferiorly. The manubrium, sternal angle (angle of Louis), and body of the sternum sit medial to the costal cartilages of ribs 1 through 7, with the pectoral soft tissues draping laterally toward the anterior axillary folds. A longitudinal blue marker follows the sternal line, aligning with the interclavicular region superiorly and continuing caudally toward the xiphisternal junction. Midline anatomy, cleanly oriented. Surface mapping over the sternum matters because many high-stakes procedures and injuries reference it directly: median sternotomy splits the sternum along this line for cardiac surgery, while blunt trauma can produce sternal fractures with pain that localizes precisely presternally. The sternal angle remains a teaching landmark for counting ribs and identifying the second costal cartilage, which is used when describing auscultation points and anterior chest tube placement levels in relation to intercostal spaces. Even CPR hand placement relies on accurate appreciation of the lower half of the sternal body, avoiding the xiphoid to reduce risk of hepatic or gastric injury. Use this asset in gross anatomy and surface anatomy courses when teaching thoracic landmarks on darker skin tones, or in clinical skills manuals that need a neutral, anterior reference for chest examination, ECG lead orientation, and procedural line marking. It also suits patient-education materials explaining sternotomy incisions, sternal precautions, and expected postoperative scar placement along the midline. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.