Pronunciation: [stˈɜːnəm] (IPA) 
Sternum is a bone that lies in the center of the chest. Its correct spelling has a phonetic transcription of /ˈstɜːr.nəm/. It is pronounced as STUR-nəm. The first syllable is pronounced with a stressed "s" sound and short "u" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "e" vowel sound and a soft "n" at the end. The spelling of sternum is easy to remember once you know its phonetic transcription.
The sternum is a noun that refers to a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest. It is also commonly known as the breastbone. The sternum is situated vertically in the anterior mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. It is essential for providing stability and protection to vital structures such as the heart, lungs, major blood vessels, and other organs in the chest.
The sternum consists of three main parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process. The manubrium is the upper segment, which is connected to the clavicle bones and the first pair of ribs. The body, or corpus sterni, makes up the largest part of the sternum and articulates with the cartilage of the second to seventh ribs. Finally, the xiphoid process is the small, cartilaginous extension at the bottom of the sternum.
The sternum serves as a point of attachment for various muscles, including those involved in breathing and upper limb movement. It is composed of dense, compact bone, providing strength and support. In certain medical procedures, the sternum may be temporarily divided for access to the heart or other intrathoracic structures. Understanding the anatomy and function of the sternum is crucial in various fields, such as medicine, anatomy, surgery, and forensic science.
The breast-bone, a long flat bone, articulating with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle, forming the middle part of the anterior wall of the thorax; it consists of three portions: the corpus or body, mesosternum, gladiolus; the manubrium or presternum; the ensiform or xiphoid cartilage or appendix or process, or metasternum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The flat bone of the breast to which the ribs are jointed in front; the breast-bone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sternum" is derived from the Latin term "stērnō", which means "to spread out" or "to stretch". The Latin term "stērnō" is further connected to the Proto-Indo-European root "*ster-", which carries the sense of "to spread" or "to extend". This connection refers to the sternal bone's location in the chest, as it appears stretched out or spread between the ribs.
