bröstben

Bröstbenet, scientific name sternum, is a long flat bone located in the central chest of vertebrates. It is part of the rib cage and connects to the ribs via cartilage, forming the anterior wall of the thorax. The sternum consists of three fused parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The manubrium is the uppermost part, articulating with the clavicles (collarbones) and the first pair of ribs. The body, the largest section, articulates with the majority of the ribs. The xiphoid process is a small, cartilaginous extension at the inferior end, which ossifies in adulthood. The sternum serves as an anchor point for numerous muscles, including those of the chest and abdomen, and plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs. It is also involved in respiration, expanding and contracting with the chest cavity. In cases of cardiac arrest, the sternum can be cut during sternotomy to access the heart for surgery.