The Body Of The Sternum In Lateral View

Description

Shown in lateral profile, the body of the sternum (gladiolus) appears as a thin, slightly convex plate positioned anterior to the mediastinum and aligned superiorly with the manubrium and inferiorly with the xiphoid process at the xiphisternal junction. Along its lateral margin, the animation tracks the series of costal notches and shallow facets where the costal cartilages of ribs II through VII articulate, with the sternal angle region serving as a clear superior landmark. Subtle changes in lighting and rotation emphasize the anterior surface versus the posterior surface that faces the pleural cavities and pericardium. Orientation matters clinically because the sternal body forms the anterior wall of the thorax at the level of the right atrium and right ventricle, and its posterior surface relationship to the internal thoracic vessels explains why retrosternal bleeding can track quickly. Sternal fractures often occur through the body after deceleration injury, and the stepwise lateral inspection in this sequence helps clarify how fracture displacement or a sternal wire can project anteriorly or posteriorly relative to the costal cartilage attachments. Seeing the costal facets in motion also supports teaching of rib numbering, since rib II at the sternal angle anchors the count used in surface anatomy and ECG lead placement. Use this animation in gross anatomy and osteology labs to teach sternal landmarks, in radiology modules to correlate lateral chest radiographs and CT sagittal reconstructions, or in cardiothoracic surgery education when discussing median sternotomy closure and wire placement along the sternal body. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.