Breastbone, as the name suggests, is an organ that covers the heart and chest region. Sternum is the medical term for breastbone and is a flat long narrow bone. The entire thoracic region is stabilized by the sternum. Many muscles that are responsible for moving your head, neck and arms originate from breastbone. Actually, sternum lies as the central point on which the shoulder joints and clavicle fuse together. Sternum lies deep inside the skin and measures roughly 6 inches in length. It encloses vital organs like heart, aorta and vena cava and offers protection and stability for many organs like shoulder, neck and chest.
Sternum or Breastbone has 3 major parts which are detailed below :-
- Manubrium – It is the uppermost part of the sternum resembling the handle of a sword. Coastal cartilages fuse with manubrium joining the clavicles and the first two pairs of true ribs.
- Body – Body of the breastbone is certainly the longest portion of it and the coastal cartilages from 3-10th pair of ribs are connected with it.
- Xiphoid Process – This is the inferior portion of the breastbone and is the smallest of all. Xiphoid process serves as the midpoint for several muscles, diaphragm and cartilages.
When a patient undergoes open heart surgery, the sternum is to be cut into two pieces in the midpoint so that heart can be accessed. Soon after surgery, the two halves are wired back and kept intact. However any stress can affect the broken sternum and is liable to fracture.
Pain In The Breastbone :
Breastbone or sternum pain is harmless in most of the cases. Pain in the sternum may range from mild to severe sharp pain. If you have persistent pain that increases as time passes you should seek medical help ASAP.