The Body Of The Sternum In Isolation

Description

Centered in the anterior thorax, the body of the sternum (gladiolus) appears as an elongated, flat segment positioned inferior to the manubrium and superior to the xiphoid process. Along its right and left lateral borders, the animation tracks the costal notches and demifacets where the 2nd through 7th costal cartilages articulate, with the 2nd rib typically sharing the manubriosternal junction (sternal angle) and the adjacent superior body. The anterior surface reads gently convex, while the posterior surface remains concave toward the mediastinum, and sequential rotation clarifies thickness changes from superior to inferior. Isolated presentation keeps attention on the articular margins and midline fusion pattern. Clinically, the sternal body is a key landmark for localizing ribs and intercostal spaces during physical exam, chest tube placement planning, and interpretation of chest radiographs and CT. Motion in the animation helps you appreciate why the costal facets sit on the lateral margins rather than the broad anterior plate, and how the manubriosternal angle relates to the level of the 2nd costal cartilage and the T4 to T5 intervertebral plane. Sternal fractures often involve the body after blunt anterior trauma, and understanding its posterior concavity helps explain proximity to pericardium and great vessels. Use this animation in gross anatomy lab review, thoracic wall lectures, and medical illustration projects that need clean isolation of the breastbone without distraction from ribs or clavicles. It also suits trauma education materials discussing sternal fracture patterns and midline access, including median sternotomy orientation for cardiothoracic surgery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.