The Anatomy Of The Sternal Angle Of The Sternum

Description

Centered on the anterior thoracic wall, the animation isolates the sternum (breastbone) and tracks the transverse ridge of the sternal angle (Angle of Louis) at the manubriosternal joint. The manubrium is shown superiorly, articulating with the clavicles and the first costal cartilages, while the sternal body (gladiolus) lies inferiorly and forms the longer midline segment. As the sequence advances, adjacent bony and cartilaginous landmarks are introduced to orient the ridge in three dimensions, including the jugular notch, the sternal ends of the clavicles, and the costal cartilage attachments along the lateral borders. Clinically, the sternal angle is the palpable reference point used to identify the second costal cartilage and, by extension, count ribs and intercostal spaces during chest examination, thoracentesis planning, and ECG lead placement. The animation clarifies why this level corresponds to the T4 to T5 intervertebral disc plane and how that surface landmark relates to key thoracic transitions such as the tracheal bifurcation and the beginning and end of the aortic arch. Small motion cues along the manubriosternal joint reinforce that this is a symphysis, a stable but slightly compliant junction that can become tender or prominent with trauma, inflammatory arthropathy, or pectus deformities. A key landmark. Use this asset in gross anatomy and physical diagnosis teaching, radiographic correlation for thoracic CT orientation, and textbook or patient-education graphics that explain rib counting and mediastinal levels from surface anatomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.