Sternum (Latin)

The manubrium sterni articulates with the corpus sterni at the symphysis manubriosternalis, and the corpus sterni with the processus xiphoideus sterni at the synchondrosis xiphosternalis. On the manubrium sterni, the incisura jugularis sterni is located centrally along its superior border and is flanked either side by the incisura clavicularis manubrii sterni which accommodate the sternal end of each clavicula. Directly below the incisura clavicularis manubrii sterni and along the length of the manubrium sterni and corpus sterni are seven paired incisurae costales which receive the cartilages of the (true ribs) costae verae. It’s important to note that the sternum articulates with the cartilagines costales and not directly with the ribs, through the articulationes sternochondrales. These joints allow slight movement of the cavitas thoracis and expansion when breathing.