Lecture Notes on the Sternum

Overview

• Professor: McCurdy
• Topic: Anatomy of the Sternum

Key Parts of the Sternum

1. Manubrium
   • Top part of the sternum.
   • Contains the suprasternal notch (superior to the sternum).
   • Features clavicular notches for clavicle attachment.
2. Body
   • Middle section of the sternum.
3. Xiphoid Process
   • Lowest part of the sternum, spelled with an 'X'.

Important Anatomical Features

• Sternal Angle
  • Junction between the manubrium and the body.

Costal Cartilages

• Definition: Hyaline cartilage attaching ribs to the sternum.
• Count: 10 costal cartilages even though there are 12 ribs.
• Floating Ribs:
  • Two ribs are floating; their costal cartilages do not attach to the sternum.

Classification of Ribs

1. True Ribs (Vertebrosternal):
   • Ribs 1-7
   • Costal cartilages connect directly to the sternum.
2. False Ribs:
   • Ribs 8-10
   • Costal cartilages attach to another cartilage piece that then attaches to the sternum (indirect attachment).