STERNAL CARTILAGE Meaning and
Definition
-
Sternal cartilage refers to a type of cartilage found in the front midline of the chest, specifically in the region where the sternum (breastbone) is located. The sternum is a flat bone located in the center of the chest that connects the ribs. It serves as a crucial attachment site for the rib muscles and protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs. The sternal cartilage is a flexible and rubbery connective tissue that acts as an extension of the sternum.
The sternal cartilage is made up of hyaline cartilage, which is characterized by its translucent appearance. It serves important functions by providing support and stability to the sternum, as well as modulating flexibility in the chest area during movements such as breathing. Additionally, it helps absorb and distribute impacts and forces exerted on the chest, thereby protecting the underlying organs.
The sternal cartilage consists of several segments or sub-parts known as sternal costal cartilages, which connect to the sternum on one end and join with the corresponding ribs on the other end. These segments can vary in length depending on the age and developmental stage of an individual. In adults, the sternal cartilages become fully ossified, meaning they turn into solid bone, by the time a person reaches maturity. However, in infants and children, the sternal cartilage remains relatively soft and flexible, allowing the chest to expand and accommodate growth.
-
A costal c. of one of the true ribs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for STERNAL CARTILAGE
- aternal cartilage
- zternal cartilage
- xternal cartilage
- dternal cartilage
- eternal cartilage
- wternal cartilage
- srernal cartilage
- sfernal cartilage
- sgernal cartilage
- syernal cartilage
- s6ernal cartilage
- s5ernal cartilage
- stwrnal cartilage
- stsrnal cartilage
- stdrnal cartilage
- strrnal cartilage
- st4rnal cartilage
- st3rnal cartilage
- steenal cartilage
- stednal cartilage
Etymology of STERNAL CARTILAGE
The term "sternal cartilage" can be analyzed by breaking it down into its constituent parts.
The word "sternal" refers to the sternum, which is the flat bone located in the center of the chest. The term comes from the Latin word "sternum", meaning "breastbone", which originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ster-", meaning "stiff" or "solid".
The word "cartilage" refers to a firm, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including joints, the ribs, and the ears. The term comes from the Latin word "cartilago", which is of uncertain origin but is possibly derived from the Celtic word "kar-" or "karros", meaning "rock" or "stone".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
