Mesosternal is a term in anatomy that is spelled with a combination of letters and sounds that may be unfamiliar to some. The IPA phonetic transcription for Mesosternal is /ˌmɛsəˈstɜːrnəl/. This means that the first syllable "meso" is pronounced "meh-suh" with a short "e" sound, while the second syllable "sternal" is pronounced "stur-nal" with a schwa sound in the first syllable and a stressed "a" sound in the second. Understanding the phonetic transcription can help with proper pronunciation and spelling of this scientific term.
Mesosternal is an adjective that refers to something pertaining to or related to the mesosternum. The mesosternum is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific bone or cartilaginous structure found in the middle or central part of the sternum, also known as the breastbone.
The sternum is a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest, to which the ribs and other structures of the chest are attached. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The mesosternum specifically refers to the bony segment or cartilage that lies in between the manubrium and the xiphoid process.
The mesosternum plays a crucial role in supporting and protecting vital thoracic organs, such as the heart and lungs. It also provides attachment sites for various muscles involved in breathing and chest movement. Furthermore, it serves as a point of connection for the costal cartilages, which join the ribs to the sternum.
The term "mesosternal" may also be used in a broader sense to describe any structures, regions, or conditions that are positioned or situated in the middle or central area of the sternum. For example, mesosternal fractures are fractures that occur in the central area of the sternum.
The word "mesosternal" is a combination of two roots: "meso-" and "sternal". The etymology of these roots is as follows:
1. "Meso-" is derived from the ancient Greek word "mesos" (μέσος), meaning "middle" or "intermediate". It is frequently used in scientific and medical terminology to indicate something that is located in the middle or intermediate position.
2. "Sternal" comes from the Latin word "sternum", which means "breastbone". The sternum is a flat bone located in the center of the chest, serving as an attachment point for the ribs.
By combining these roots, "mesosternal" is formed to describe a structure or feature situated or related to the middle or intermediate part of the sternum.