How Do You Spell STERNAL ANGLE?

Pronunciation: [stˈɜːnə͡l ˈaŋɡə͡l] (IPA)

The sternal angle, also known as the angle of Louis, is an anatomical landmark on the sternum. Its spelling is pronounced as /ˈstɜːrnəl/ /ˈæŋɡəl/, which translates to STUR-nuhl ANG-guhl using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The sternal angle is located at the level of the second rib and is important for identifying the position of the heart, trachea, and major blood vessels passing through the chest. Accurate identification of the sternal angle is crucial in medical procedures such as central venous catheterization and chest tube insertion.

STERNAL ANGLE Meaning and Definition

1. The sternal angle, also known as the angle of Louis, is a landmark anatomical term used to describe the angle formed at the junction of the manubrium and body of the sternum, two of the flat bones that make up the anterior portion of the rib cage. Located at the level of the second rib, the sternal angle acts as a significant point of reference in many medical and anatomical measurements.

   This anatomical landmark is of particular importance due to its relation to various structures within the thoracic cavity. It serves as a connecting point between the manubrium, which lies superiorly and is tilted at an oblique angle, and the body of the sternum, which descends inferiorly at a more vertical orientation. This creates a distinct angle that can be palpated and used as a reference point for locating deeper anatomical structures, such as the intervertebral disc between the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae.

   Clinically, the sternal angle can be used to estimate the level of certain important anatomical structures within the thoracic cavity, such as the superior mediastinum, the superior border of the pericardium, and the bifurcation of the trachea into its main bronchi. Additionally, the sternal angle also helps to delineate the boundaries of different anatomical regions on the anterior chest wall, aiding in the identification of intercostal spaces and delineating the different regions of the heart and lungs.

2. A. of Louis, angulus Ludovici, the angle between the manubrium and the body of the sternum.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STERNAL ANGLE

• aternal angle
• zternal angle
• dternal angle
• wternal angle
• srernal angle
• sfernal angle
• sgernal angle
• syernal angle
• s6ernal angle
• s5ernal angle
• stwrnal angle
• stsrnal angle
• stdrnal angle
• strrnal angle
• st4rnal angle
• st3rnal angle
• steenal angle
• stednal angle
• stefnal angle
• stetnal angle

Etymology of STERNAL ANGLE

The word "sternal angle" consists of two main parts: "sternal" and "angle".

1. "Sternal": The word "sternal" is an adjective form of the noun "sternum", which refers to the long flat bone located in the center of the chest, commonly called the breastbone. The word "sternum" comes from the Latin term "sternum", meaning "the breastbone" or "breast".

2. "Angle": The word "angle" is derived from the Latin term "angulus", meaning "corner" or "bend".

Combining these two parts, "sternal" and "angle", the phrase "sternal angle" is used to denote the exact point where the sternum and the manubrium (the uppermost part of the sternum) meet.