MUSCULUS STERNALIS Meaning and
Definition
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Musculus sternalis, also known as the sternalis muscle, is a rare anatomical variation that occurs in the human chest. It is an additional muscle found superficially beneath the pectoralis major muscle, usually on one side of the sternum. The term "musculus sternalis" is derived from the Latin words "musculus," meaning muscle, and "sternum," referring to the breastbone.
The sternalis muscle varies in size, shape, and location between individuals. It usually appears as a thin, strap-like muscle or a bundle of muscle fibers that originate near the junction of the pectoralis major muscle and attach to the sternum or the fascia of the chest wall. In rare cases, it can extend horizontally across the midline to the opposite side of the sternum.
The presence of the sternalis muscle is believed to be a developmental variation rather than a functionally significant muscle. It does not play a significant role in chest movement or upper limb actions and is considered vestigial.
Although the exact function of the sternalis muscle remains unclear, it is mostly considered a cosmetic or anatomical curiosity. It is often discovered incidentally during surgical procedures, radiological examinations, or cadaver dissections. While the sternalis muscle does not typically cause any clinical symptoms or complications, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of its existence to prevent misdiagnosis or confusion during medical procedures.
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An inconstant muscle, running parallel to the sternum across the costosternal origin of the pectoralis major, and usually connected with the sternocleidomastoid and rectus muscles as well as the pectoralis major.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MUSCULUS STERNALIS
- nusculus sternalis
- kusculus sternalis
- jusculus sternalis
- mysculus sternalis
- mhsculus sternalis
- mjsculus sternalis
- misculus sternalis
- m8sculus sternalis
- m7sculus sternalis
- muaculus sternalis
- muzculus sternalis
- muxculus sternalis
- mudculus sternalis
- mueculus sternalis
- muwculus sternalis
- musxulus sternalis
- musvulus sternalis
- musfulus sternalis
- musdulus sternalis
- muscylus sternalis
Etymology of MUSCULUS STERNALIS
The word "musculus sternalis" is Latin in origin.
"Musculus" means "muscle" in Latin, derived from the Greek word "mys" (meaning "mouse") as ancient anatomists believed some muscles looked like mice.
"Sternalis" is derived from the Latin word "sternum", which refers to the breastbone or the central bone in the chest. The suffix "-alis" indicates that it is related to or located in the sternum. Therefore, "musculus sternalis" translates to "muscle of the sternum" in English.
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