Body Of The Sternum, Lateral View

Description

Sternal body (gladiolus) occupies the central portion of the anterior thoracic wall, positioned inferior to the manubrium and superior to the xiphoid process. From a lateral perspective, the thin anteroposterior profile of the sternum is emphasized, with the anterior surface gently convex and the posterior surface slightly concave toward the mediastinum. Along the lateral margin, the series of costal notches appears as shallow depressions for the costal cartilages, forming the parasternal articulation line that continues superiorly toward the manubriosternal junction and inferiorly toward the xiphisternal junction. Sternal sternebrae and the faint ridges of fusion may be appreciable depending on the level of surface detail. Bone is unforgiving. Clinically, the body of the sternum is a key landmark for both emergency care and operative access to the mediastinum, because the thickness and curvature shown in this profile help explain typical fracture patterns after blunt trauma and the mechanics of sternal wires after median sternotomy. The costal notch alignment provides a practical reference for locating the 2nd costal cartilage at the sternal angle (Angle of Louis) and tracing inferiorly to estimate intercostal spaces for chest tube planning, parasternal blocks, or pericardial access. The lateral view also reinforces what lies immediately posterior: pleura and pericardium can sit close to the bone, a relationship worth remembering when teaching safe needle trajectories. Use this illustration in gross anatomy labs, thoracic surgery and trauma lectures, and publisher figures discussing sternotomy, sternal fracture fixation, or surface anatomy of the anterior chest wall. It also fits well in radiology primers that correlate CT sagittal reconstructions with palpable sternal landmarks. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.