Sternum's Jugular Notch, Superior View

Description

Jugular (suprasternal) notch sits at the superior border of the manubrium sterni, centered on the midline and framed laterally by the right and left clavicular notches. From this superior perspective, the concavity of the notch is seen opening posteriorly toward the superior mediastinum, with the articular facets for the medial clavicles positioned immediately lateral and slightly anterior to the notch’s deepest point. The manubrial surface surrounding the notch appears as compact cortical bone, and the uppermost sternal margin provides a fixed bony reference in the thorax. Clinically, the suprasternal notch is a surface landmark you palpate to orient the midline of the neck and upper chest, then estimate the level of the T2 to T3 intervertebral disc and the superior mediastinal inlet. It matters in airway and vascular planning: the relationship between the notch, the trachea, and the brachiocephalic veins guides safe positioning for low cervical tracheostomy and for central venous catheter approaches that track toward the superior vena cava. Sharp bony definition also helps distinguish the sternoclavicular joint line and adjacent manubrium in trauma discussions, including posterior sternoclavicular dislocation, where mediastinal compression risk is real. A hard landmark. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and surface anatomy teaching to anchor thoracic inlet orientation, in radiology or surgical texts when correlating palpable landmarks with CT at the level of the manubrium, and in clinical skills materials that cover neck examination and line placement landmarks. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.