In this article, we discuss the anatomy of the sternum and its parts; manubrium, body and xiphoid process. Learn this topic now at Kenhub. The sternum (plural: sterna or sternums) is the anterior midline chest wall bone plate that articulates with clavicles and ribs. It is composed of 3 parts (from superior to inferior): the manubrium, sternal body and xiphoid process. Gross anatomy... The sternum is the centrally located anterior portion of the chest wall and is a partially T-shaped vertical bone . The sternum develops as three distinct parts: The manubrium is flat and four-sided, wider superiorly The body is a flat rectangular bone that has facets on its lateral border for articulation with the ribs. It is: approximately 20 cm long; 3-4 cm wide; 1 cm thick The xiphoid process is a thin bony projection inferiorly They articulate via secondary cartilaginous joints via hyaline cartilage with a fibrocartilaginous intervening disc. [1]
