Sternum (English)

The manubrium articulates with the body of the sternum at the manubriosternal joint, and the body of the sternum with the xiphoid process at the xiphisternal joint. On the manubrium, the jugular/suprasternal notch is located centrally along its superior border and is flanked either side by the clavicular notches which accommodate the sternal end of each clavicle. Directly below the clavicular notch and along the length of the manubrium and body of the sternum are seven paired costal notches which receive the cartilages of the true ribs. It’s important to note that the sternum articulates with the costal cartilages and not directly with the ribs, through the sternochondral joints. These joints allow slight movement of the thoracic cavity and expansion when breathing.