Sternum, Anterior View

Description

Centered on the anterior thorax, the sternum (breastbone) is highlighted against the surrounding ribcage and the midline vertebral column. Superiorly, the manubrium sits opposite the medial clavicles and the first costal cartilages, and it meets the sternal body at the manubriosternal joint, forming the palpable sternal angle. Inferiorly, the sternal body tapers to the xiphoid process, which lies just superior to the epigastrium and anterior to the diaphragm’s central tendon. Costal cartilages from ribs 1 through 7 converge on the lateral margins of the sternum, while the thoracic vertebrae and intervertebral discs align posteriorly in the same midline axis. Anterior sternal anatomy matters because it supplies surface landmarks you use every day in examination, imaging correlation, and procedures. The sternal angle marks the level of the second costal cartilage and the T4 to T5 intervertebral disc plane, a reference for counting ribs and for approximating the transverse thoracic plane in thoracic radiology and clinical anatomy teaching. Sternal fractures from blunt trauma often involve the sternal body and can accompany cardiac or mediastinal injury, and a clear anterior view helps relate fracture location to adjacent costal cartilage attachments and potential instability. Clean landmarks. No distraction. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and musculoskeletal courses to teach sternal parts, costosternal articulations, and reliable palpation points for rib counting. It also fits thoracic surgery and emergency medicine materials covering median sternotomy approach, sternal wire closure orientation, and trauma assessment documentation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.