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Handle body xiphoid process. Functional anatomy of individual parts of the skeleton. What diseases are associated with the Sternum

08.02.2017

The sternum, sternum, refers to flat bones and consists of three sections: the handle, manubrium stemi, the body, corpus sterni, and the xiphoid process, proc. xiphoideus.

The sternum, sternum, refers to flat bones and consists of three sections: the handle, manubrium stemi, the body, corpus sterni, and the xiphoid process, proc. xiphoideus. In addition, sometimes in the sternum there are unstable suprasternal bones, ossa suprasternalia.

The handle is the most massive section of the sternum, on the upper edge of which there is a jugular notch, incisura
jugularis, and on the lateral - clavicular notches, incisurae claviculares, under which there are costal
cutting, incisurae costales, for connection with cartilage of the 1st ribs.

The body of the sternum is connected to the handle with the help of the handle-sternal synchondrosis, synchondrosis
manubriosternalis. For articulation with the cartilages of the II-VII ribs, there are joints on the lateral surfaces of the body of the sternum.
corresponding rib notches.

The xiphoid process is variable in shape and size; it can be split in a forked direction or enclose an opening along the midline. The xiphoid process is connected to the body of the sternum with the help of the xiphosternal synchondrosis, synchondrosis xiphosternalis.

styling

Oblique anterior projection. Laying when performing radiographs of the sternum in an oblique anterior projection is performed in the position of the patient on the stomach. The head is turned to the right. Left upper limb protruded
along the body, the right is retracted to the side and up. The right half of the chest rises above
table so that between the frontal plane of the body and the plane of the table an angle of 25-30 ° is formed.

The mammary glands in women are retracted outwards. The cassette is located in the plane of the table under the sternum area. The central beam of rays is directed perpendicular to the plane of the table between the medial edge
right scapula and spinal column at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra. On the radiograph, the sternum is clearly visible against the background of the pulmonary pattern.

Raising the left half of the chest above the table and directing the central beam of rays between
the medial edge of the left scapula and the spinal column, the image of the sternum is obtained against the background of a heart
vascular bundle. Similar radiographs can be obtained if the patient is placed symmetrically on the anterior surface of the chest and the central beam of rays is directed to the sternum at an angle
25-30° to median plane.

If the patient's condition allows, chest X-ray is performed in a vertical position with
storing the relationships described above between the patient, the cassette and the central beam of rays.

Lateral projection. Laying when performing a radiograph of the sternum in a lateral projection is performed in
position of the patient on the side. The upper limbs are retracted backwards. The cassette is located in the plane of the table
under the chest area. The frontal plane of the body is perpendicular, and the sagittal plane is parallel
table plane. The central beam of rays is directed perpendicular to the plane of the table tangent to the body
sternum. A similar radiograph can be obtained with the patient in a vertical position under the control of the screen, while maintaining the same relationship between the patient, the cassette and the central beam of rays.

Radiographs of the sternum are made with the patient's breath held.

X-ray anatomical analysis

Oblique anterior projection. On the radiograph of the sternum in an oblique anterior projection (Fig. 122), all departments
the sternum is clearly defined outside the shadow of the spinal column against the background of the lung tissue or against the background of the cardiovascular bundle, which is due to the styling option. The shadow of the sternum is projectively crossed by the posterior departments V-X ribs.

The handle (1) is the most massive section of the sternum. A jugular notch (2) is visible on the upper edge of the handle, and
clavicular notches are determined on the lateral sections (3). Due to the fact that in the described projection the sternum is located somewhat obliquely, the right and left clavicular notches do not have a symmetrical display: the notch located closer to the spinal column is concave, the distant one is flattened.

Comparative analysis of the sternoclavicular joints in this projection is not possible. The handle of the sternum is connected to the body (5) by a handle-sternal synchondrosis (6) having the form of a horizontally located band of enlightenment with clear contours.

The body of the sternum is represented by an elongated plate, somewhat expanding in the caudal direction.

The body passes into a narrow and thin xiphoid process (7), sometimes separated by a strip of enlightenment due to xiphosternal synchondrosis. Forked cleft of the xiphoid process or
the presence of a clearly defined enlightenment is a variant of the norm.

On the lateral surfaces of the sternum there are costal notches (8) for the I-VII ribs, which have clear, intense contours. The cutouts for the 1st ribs are on the side surfaces of the handle, the cutouts for the 2nd ribs are at the border of the handle and the body, the cutouts for the 3rd-6th ribs are at the level of the sternum body, and for the 7th ribs are at the border of the sternum body with the xiphoid process.

Rice. 122. X-ray of the sternum in an oblique anterior projection.

1 - handle of the sternum; 2 - jugular notch; 3 - clavicular notches; 4 - x-ray joint space of the sternoclavicular joint; 5 - body of the sternum; c - handle-sternal synchondrosis; 7 - xiphoid process; 8- rib clippings; 11 - sternal end of the clavicle.

Lateral projection. On the radiograph of the sternum in the lateral projection (Fig. 123), the sternum looks like a somewhat convex anterior plate 1-2 cm wide, limited by clear, intense contours due to the cortical substance of the anterior (9) and posterior (10) surfaces.

Between the handle (1) and the body of the sternum (5) there is a clear-cut lucency formed by the handle-sternal synchondrosis (6).

In contrast to the body, which has two contours (anterior and posterior), an additional triangular shadow adjoins the posterior contour of the manubrium of the sternum, the base of which is turned upwards. According to experimental
studies by V. S. Maykova-Stroganova and M. A. Finkelstein. its morphological substrate is the lateral edge of the manubrium of the sternum, which is distant from the cassette (1a).

Parallel to the anterior contour of the sternum, a low-intensity shadow is determined, due to soft tissues anterior chest wall. Their volume and intensity depend on age, gender and individual characteristics. Parallel to the posterior contour of the sternum, a strip of soft tissues 2-3 mm wide is traced, which is a reflection of the internal fascia of the chest. Behind the sternum, against the background of the organs of the chest cavity, the anterior sections of the costal bones can be traced.

Rice. 123. X-ray of the sternum in the lateral projection.

1 - handle of the sternum; 1a - distant lateral edge of the sternum handle; 5 - body of the sternum; b - handle-sternal synchondrosis; 9 - anterior surface of the sternum; 10 - posterior surface of the sternum.



Tags: sternum, styling, jugular tenderloin, synchondrosis
Start of activity (date): 02/08/2017 19:03:00
Created by (ID): 645
Key words: sternum, laying, jugular notch

The thorax forms the bony base of the thoracic cavity. It protects the heart, lungs, liver and serves as an attachment site for the respiratory muscles and muscles of the upper limbs. The chest consists of the sternum, 12 pairs of ribs connected behind the spinal column.

The shape of the chest changes significantly with age. In infancy, it is, as it were, compressed laterally, its anteroposterior size is larger than the transverse one. In an adult, the transverse size prevails.

During the first year of life, the shape of the chest gradually changes, which is associated with a change in body position and center of gravity. According to the change in the chest, the volume of the lungs increases. Changing the position of the ribs increases the movement of the chest and allows breathing movements.

The conical shape of the chest remains up to 3-4 years. By the age of 6, the relative sizes of the upper and lower parts of the chest characteristic of an adult are established, the slope of the ribs sharply increases. By the age of 12-13, the chest acquires the same shape as in an adult.

The shape of the chest is influenced by exercise and seating. Under the influence of physical exercises, it can become wider and more voluminous. With a long incorrect landing, when the child leans on the edge of the table or the desk cover, chest deformity can occur, which disrupts the development of the heart, large vessels and lungs.

Sternum and ribs.

human sternum

human rib

ribs, costae(I-XII) / Seven pairs of upper ribs (I-VII) are connected with the sternum by cartilaginous parts. These edges are called true, costae verae. Cartilages VIII, IX, X pairs of ribs are connected not with the sternum, but with the cartilage of the overlying rib. Therefore, these ribs are called false ribs, costae spurlae. The XI and XII ribs have short cartilaginous parts that end in the muscles of the abdominal wall. These ribs are more mobile, they are called oscillating, costae fuctuantes [ fluitantes].

At the posterior end of each rib there is a head, caput costae, which forms a joint with the body of one or the bodies of two adjacent thoracic vertebrae, with their costal fossae. Most of the ribs articulate with two adjacent vertebrae. The head of the rib is followed by a narrower part - the neck of the rib, collum costae. On the border of the neck and body of the rib there is a tubercle of the rib, tuberculum costae. On the ten upper ribs, the tubercle is divided into two elevations. The medial-inferior eminence bears the articular surface of the tubercle of the rib, facies articularis tuberculi costae, to form a joint with the costal fossa of the transverse process of the corresponding vertebra. The neck with the tubercle passes directly into the wider and longest anterior part of the costal bone - the body of the rib, corpus costae, which is slightly twisted around its own longitudinal axis and not far from the tubercle is sharply curved forward. This place is called the corner of the rib, angulus costae.

Sternum, sternum, sternum, is a flat bone located in the frontal plane. The sternum consists of three parts. Its upper part is the handle of the sternum, the middle part is the body and the lower part is the xiphoid process. In adults, these three parts are fused into a single bone.

Sternum grip, manubrium sterni, - the widest, especially at the top, and the thickest part of the sternum. On its upper edge there is a shallow jugular notch, incisura jugularis. On the sides of the notch is the clavicular notch, incisura clavicularis, to connect with the collarbones.

Body of sternum, corpus sterni, - the longest part of the sternum, in the middle and lower parts of the body of the sternum is wider than at the top. On the front surface of the body, rough lines are visible (places of fusion of bone segments), there are costal notches on the edges of the body, incisurae costales, for the formation of connections with the cartilages of the true ribs.

xiphoid process, processus xiphoideus, may have a different shape, sometimes it is bifurcated downwards or has a hole.

Sternum, resembling a dagger in shape, consists of three parts: the upper one is the handle, manubrium sterni, the middle one is the body, corpus sterni, and the lower one is the xiphoid process, processus xiphoideus. On the upper edge, the handle has a jugular notch, incisura jugularis; on the sides of it on each side - along the clavicular notch, incisura clavicularis, in which articulation occurs with the sternal end of the clavicle.

The lower edge of the handle and the upper edge of the body form between themselves a protruding anteriorly, the so-called sternum angle, angulus sterni. On the edge of the body of the sternum there are costal notches, incisurae costales, in which the articulation with the cartilages of the ribs occurs, starting from II. The xiphoid process varies greatly in appearance and can have a hole, be bifurcated, bent to the side, etc.

The structure of the sternum is characterized by an abundance of delicate spongy substance with a very rich circulatory network, which makes intrasternal blood transfusion possible. The rich development of the bone marrow in the sternum makes it possible to take it from here for transplants in the treatment of radiation sickness.

Which doctors to contact for examination of the Sternum:

Traumatologist

What diseases are associated with the Sternum:

What tests and diagnostics need to be done for the Sternum:

chest x-ray

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If you have previously performed any research, be sure to take their results to a consultation with a doctor. If the studies have not been completed, we will do everything necessary in our clinic or with our colleagues in other clinics.

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Other anatomical terms starting with the letter "G":

Head
Eye
Pharynx
Throat
Breast
Rib cage
glans penis
Shin
Pituitary
Brain
Hypothalamus (hypothalamus)
Larynx
Voice apparatus
vocal fold
Glottis
vocal process
Laryngeal ventricle
Genes
Blood type
Hemoglobin
Thoracic vertebrae

Sternum, sternum, - an unpaired bone of an elongated shape with a somewhat convex anterior surface and, accordingly, a concave posterior surface. The sternum occupies the anterior wall of the chest. It distinguishes the handle, body and xiphoid process. All these three parts are interconnected by cartilaginous layers, which ossify with age.

Sternum grip, manubrium sterni, - the widest part, thick at the top, thinner and narrower at the bottom, has a jugular notch on the upper edge, incisura jugularis, easily palpable through the skin. On the sides of the jugular notch are the clavicular notches, incisurae claviculares, the places of articulation of the sternum with the sternal ends of the clavicles.

Belly video

A little lower, on the lateral edge, is the notch of the 1st rib, incisura costalis 1, - the place of fusion with the cartilage of the 1st rib. Even lower there is a small depression - the upper section of the costal notch of the II rib; the lower section of this notch is located on the body of the sternum.

The body of the sternum, corpus sterni, is almost 3 times longer than the handle, but already narrower. The body of the sternum is shorter in women than in men.

The anterior surface of the sternum has traces of the fusion of its parts in the process of embryonic development in the form of weakly expressed transverse lines.

The cartilaginous connection of the upper edge of the body with the lower edge of the handle is called synchondrosis of the manubrium of the sternum, synchondrosis manubriosternalis, while the body and the handle converge, forming a blunt, posteriorly open angle of the sternum, angulus sterni. This protrusion is at the level of the articulation of the II rib with the sternum and is easily palpable through the skin.

On the lateral edge of the body of the sternum, four complete and two incomplete costal notches, incisurae costales, are distinguished. - places of articulation of the sternum with the cartilages of the II-VII ribs. One incomplete notch is located at the top of the lateral edge of the sternum and corresponds to the cartilage of the II rib, the other is at the bottom of the lateral edge and corresponds to the cartilage of the VI rib; four full notches lie between them and correspond to III-VI ribs.

The sections of the lateral sections, lying between two adjacent costal notches, have the shape of semilunar depressions.

xiphoid process, processus xiphoideus, - the shortest part of the sternum, can be different in size and shape, with a forked top or with a hole in the middle. The acute or blunt apex is turned either anteriorly or posteriorly. In the upper lateral part of the xiphoid process, there is an incomplete notch that articulates with the cartilage of the 7th rib.

The xiphoid process forms with the body of the sternum synchondrosis of the xiphoid process, synchondrosis xiphosternalis. By old age, the xiphoid process, ossified, fuses with the body of the sternum.

The sternum is an unpaired elongated bone with a slightly concave posterior surface and a slightly convex anterior part. This bone is the center of the anterior chest wall. The pectoralis major muscle is main muscle sternum.

Structure

The center of the anterior chest wall (sternum) consists of three main parts: the xiphoid process, the body, and the handle. All these parts are interconnected by cartilaginous layers, which ossify with age.

The handle is the widest part of this bone. It is thinner at the bottom and thicker at the top. At its very bottom there is a jugular notch, which is easily palpable through the skin. The handle of the sternum has two more cuts, which are called clavicular. They are located under the jugular notch. In these places, the above bone is connected to the clavicles.

The body of the sternum is three times as long as the manubrium. In women, the body of this bone is shorter than in men. The connecting cartilage of the lower edge of the handle with the upper edge of the body is called the synchondrosis of the handle. The body and handle join to form an open, obtuse angle at the back, which is easily palpable through the skin. It is located at the level of connection 2 ribs. On the sides of the body of this bone are 4 complete and 2 incomplete costal notches.

The xiphoid process is considered the smallest part of the sternum. It can vary in size and shape, have a forked top and a hole in the middle. The sharp or blunt tip of the xiphoid process can be turned both back and forward. This process, together with the body of the sternum, forms synchondrosis of the xiphoid process. In old age, it ossifies, growing together with the body of the sternum.

The main muscle of the sternum is the pectoralis major muscle, which originates in the collarbone. This muscle passes through the body, as well as the handle of the above bone and the rectus abdominis.

Pain and burning

Pain in the sternum is most often associated with damage to its bone and cartilage structures, diseases of internal organs and psychogenic diseases. Pain in is a sign of the following ailments: angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, mitral valve prolapse, pneumonia, pleurisy, gastrointestinal diseases, diaphragmatic abscess and malignant lung tumors.

Pain, as well as burning in the sternum, are considered integral symptoms:

  • blood diseases;
  • broncho-pulmonary diseases;
  • gastrointestinal ailments (gastroesophageal disease, stomach ulcer);
  • fractures and injuries of the sternum;
  • cardiovascular diseases.

Sometimes pain in the chest is accompanied by psychogenic diseases (vegetative-vascular dystonia, hysteria, etc.).

fracture

Fracture of the sternum in traumatology is very rare. In most cases, the fracture occurs due to a direct strong blow to the chest. This can happen with strong compression of the chest or in a traffic accident. With a fracture without displacement, severe pain may not be observed, but quite often the fracture is accompanied by displacement of fragments.

The main symptoms of a sternum fracture are pain, hemorrhage, and swelling in the area of ​​the bone injury. Palpation is very painful. A fracture with displacement of fragments is a life-threatening condition for the patient, as it can lead to damage to the organs of the chest. Damage to the pleura and lungs can cause the development of a hemothorax (accumulation of blood) or pneumothorax (accumulation of air) in the chest. These complications require immediate medical attention, as they can be fatal.

Sternum(sternum) is an unpaired long flat spongy bone *, consisting of 3 parts: a handle, a body and a xiphoid process.

* (Cancellous bone is rich circulatory system, contains red bone marrow in people of any age. Therefore, it is possible: intrasternal blood transfusion, taking of red bone marrow for research, transplantation of red bone marrow.)

Sternum and ribs. A - sternum (sternum): 1 - handle of the sternum (manubrium sterni); 2 - body of the sternum (corpus sterni); 3 - xiphoid process (processus xiphoideus); 4 - costal notches (incisurae costales); 5 - angle of the sternum (angulus sterni); 6 - jugular notch (incisure jugularis); 7 - clavicular notch (incisure clavicularis). B - VIII rib (inside view): 1 - articular surface of the head of the rib (facies articularis capitis costae); 2 - neck of the rib (collum costae); 3 - rib angle (angulus costae); 4 - rib body (corpus costae); 5 - groove of the rib (sulcus costae). B - I rib (top view): 1 - neck of the rib (collum costae); 2 - tubercle of the rib (tuberculum costae); 3 - groove of the subclavian artery (sulcus a. subclaviae); 4 - groove of the subclavian vein (sulcus v. subclaviae); 5 - tubercle of the anterior scalene muscle (tuberculum m. scaleni anterioris)

Lever makes up the upper part of the sternum, on its upper edge there are 3 notches: unpaired jugular and paired clavicular, which serve to articulate with the sternal ends of the clavicles. On the side surface of the handle, two more cutouts are visible - for the I and II ribs. The handle, connecting with the body, forms an angle of the sternum directed anteriorly. In this place, the second rib is attached to the sternum.

Body of sternum long, flat, expanding downwards. On the lateral edges it has cutouts for attaching the cartilaginous parts of the II-VII pairs of ribs.

xiphoid process- This is the most variable in shape part of the sternum. As a rule, it has the shape of a triangle, but it can be bifurcated downwards or have a hole in the center. By the age of 30 (sometimes later), parts of the sternum fuse into one bone.

ribs(costae) are the paired bones of the chest. Each rib has bony and cartilaginous parts. Ribs are divided into groups:

  1. true from I to VII - attached to the sternum;
  2. false from VIII to X - have a common fastening with a costal arch;
  3. hesitant XI and XII - have free ends and are not attached.

The bone part of the rib (os costale) is a long spirally curved bone in which the head, neck and body are distinguished. Rib head is located at the rear end. It bears the articular surface for articulation with the costal fossae of two adjacent vertebrae. The head goes into rib neck. Between the neck and the body, a tubercle of the rib with an articular surface for articulation with the transverse process of the vertebra is visible. (Since the XI and XII ribs do not articulate with the transverse processes of the corresponding vertebrae, there is no articular surface on their tubercles.) Rib body long, flat, curved. It distinguishes between the upper and lower edges, as well as the outer and inner surfaces. On the inner surface of the rib, along its lower edge, there is a groove of the rib, in which the intercostal vessels and nerves are located. The body length increases to the VII-VIII ribs, and then gradually decreases. At 10 upper ribs, the body directly behind the tubercle forms a bend - the angle of the rib.

The first (I) rib, unlike the others, has top and bottom surfaces, as well as outer and inner edges. On the upper surface at the anterior end of the 1st rib, a tubercle of the anterior scalene muscle is visible. In front of the tubercle is the groove of the subclavian vein, and behind it is the groove of the subclavian artery.

Rib cage in general (compages thoracis, thorax) is formed by twelve thoracic vertebrae, ribs and sternum. Its upper aperture is limited behind the 1st thoracic vertebra, from the sides - by the 1st rib and in front - by the handle of the sternum. The lower thoracic inlet is much wider. It is bordered by the XII thoracic vertebra, XII and XI ribs, costal arch and xiphoid process. The costal arches and the xiphoid process form the infrasternal angle. The intercostal spaces are clearly visible, and inside the chest, on the sides of the spine, there are pulmonary grooves. The posterior and lateral chest walls are much longer than the anterior. In a living person, the bone walls of the chest are supplemented by muscles: the lower aperture is closed by the diaphragm, and the intercostal spaces are closed by muscles of the same name. Inside the chest, in the chest cavity, are the heart, lungs, thymus gland, large vessels and nerves.

The shape of the chest has sex and age differences. In men, it expands downward, cone-shaped, and is large. The thorax of women is smaller, egg-shaped: narrow on top, wide in the middle part and tapering again downwards. In newborns, the chest is somewhat compressed from the sides and extended anteriorly.


Rib cage. 1 - upper aperture of the chest (apertura thoracis superior); 2 - sternocostal joints (articulationes sternocostales); 3 - intercostal space (spatium intercostale); 4 - infrasternal angle (angulus infrasternalis); 5 - costal arch (arcus costalis); 6 - lower aperture of the chest (apertura thoracis inferior)

The sternum is an unpaired elongated bone with a slightly concave posterior surface and a slightly convex anterior part. This bone is the center of the anterior chest wall. The pectoralis major muscle is the main muscle of the sternum.

Structure

The center of the anterior chest wall (sternum) consists of three main parts: the xiphoid process, the body, and the handle. All these parts are interconnected by cartilaginous layers, which ossify with age.

The handle is the widest part of this bone. It is thinner at the bottom and thicker at the top. At its very bottom there is a jugular notch, which is easily palpable through the skin. The handle of the sternum has two more cuts, which are called clavicular. They are located under the jugular notch. In these places, the above bone is connected to the clavicles.

The body of the sternum is three times as long as the manubrium. In women, the body of this bone is shorter than in men. The connecting cartilage of the lower edge of the handle with the upper edge of the body is called the synchondrosis of the handle. The body and handle join to form an open, obtuse angle at the back, which is easily palpable through the skin. It is located at the level of connection 2 ribs. On the sides of the body of this bone are 4 complete and 2 incomplete costal notches.

The xiphoid process is considered the smallest part of the sternum. It can vary in size and shape, have a forked top and a hole in the middle. The sharp or blunt tip of the xiphoid process can be turned both back and forward. This process, together with the body of the sternum, forms synchondrosis of the xiphoid process. In old age, it ossifies, growing together with the body of the sternum.

The main muscle of the sternum is considered to be the pectoralis major muscle, which originates in the medial surface of the clavicle. This muscle passes through the body, as well as the handle of the above bone and the rectus abdominis.

Pain and burning

Pain in the sternum is most often associated with damage to its bone and cartilage structures, diseases of internal organs and psychogenic diseases. Pain in is a sign of the following ailments: angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, mitral valve prolapse, pneumonia, pleurisy, gastrointestinal diseases, diaphragmatic abscess and malignant lung tumors.

Pain, as well as burning in the sternum, are considered integral symptoms:

  • blood diseases;
  • broncho-pulmonary diseases;
  • gastrointestinal ailments (gastroesophageal disease, stomach ulcer);
  • fractures and injuries of the sternum;
  • cardiovascular diseases.

Sometimes pain in the chest is accompanied by psychogenic diseases (vegetative-vascular dystonia, hysteria, etc.).

fracture

Fracture of the sternum in traumatology is very rare. In most cases, the fracture occurs due to a direct strong blow to the chest. This can happen with strong compression of the chest or in a traffic accident. With a fracture without displacement, severe pain may not be observed, but quite often the fracture is accompanied by displacement of fragments.

The main symptoms of a sternum fracture are pain, hemorrhage, and swelling in the area of ​​the bone injury. Palpation is very painful. A fracture with displacement of fragments is a life-threatening condition for the patient, as it can lead to damage to the organs of the chest. Damage to the pleura and lungs can cause the development of a hemothorax (accumulation of blood) or pneumothorax (accumulation of air) in the chest. These complications require immediate medical attention, as they can be fatal.

The xiphoid process is part of the skeleton of the sternum. This is the smallest and shortest part of it. It can be different in shape and size, with a hole in the center and a forked top. The apex may be blunt or sharp, facing anteriorly or posteriorly.

Where is the xiphoid process of the chest located?

This element forms a dense bone tissue with the body of the sternum, which is connected with the help of cartilaginous tissue. However, with age, the xiphoid process ossifies and fuses with the body of the sternum.

Where is the xiphoid process located? The sternum consists of three parts:

  • lever;
  • body;
  • xiphoid process.

These three parts are interconnected. If you run your hand from where the neck ends (in the front central part of it) and follow straight down to the stomach, then this is the body of the sternum. Its lowest part is the xiphoid process. It is tightly connected to the body, and hyaline cartilage is located at the point of contact with the bone.

Functions of the sternum

The sternum performs the following important functions:

  • protects internal organs from mechanical damage;
  • participates in the process of hematopoiesis, since it contains bone marrow;
  • this function is used in the treatment of blood cancer when a puncture is required, since it is in the most convenient position for performing this procedure.

The xiphoid process of the sternum hurts when pressed

Pain in this area of ​​the chest, especially when pressed, may indicate various pathologies of the organs of both the thoracic part of the body and those adjacent to the sternum.

These bodies are:

  • a heart;
  • lungs;
  • stomach;
  • pancreas;
  • gallbladder.

Of course, in serious diseases, pain is observed not only with pressure, but also with movement, as well as at rest and after eating.

In addition, the cause of pain is often an injury to this anatomical area. For example, due to serious injuries, a characteristic slippery costal cartilage is formed. Its appearance causes very strong pain in the chest, but after a certain period it will disappear, and will only manifest as a dull pain when you press on the xiphoid process. When severe pain disappears, it may seem that the disease has passed. However, this is a dangerous delusion. If you do not seek qualified medical help in a timely manner, inflammation of the xiphoid process may appear.

Some injuries can tear the muscles in the front of the abdominal region, as well as provoke the development of tumors.

Also, the cause of pain can be damage to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. intestinal tract. For example, with a stomach ulcer, inflammatory processes can radiate to the chest. In this case, the patient himself does not understand where the source of pain is. And only by the symptoms you can determine the cause of pain:

  • lack of appetite;
  • vomiting and nausea;
  • heartburn.

Pathologies and injuries

The main damage to this anatomical region can be:

  • hernia;
  • trauma;
  • xiphoidalgia;
  • tumors.

Hernia

Hernia symptoms:

  • severe chest pain;
  • atypical bulging in the region of the process of the sternum;
  • the hernial sac is easily palpable;
  • sometimes a hernia needs to be reduced;
  • when repositioning, you can feel the edges of the hernia gate.

For accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo an instrumental examination: X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As a rule, in the treatment of a hernia, only surgery. But before the operation, it is necessary to carry out differential diagnosis since these symptoms are characteristic of a number of other diseases. Surgery to remove a hernia is not too difficult. The gate of the opening of the appendix is ​​sutured, and the hernial sac is processed. Then an incision of about 10 cm is made in order to detach the process from the sternum.


Injuries

Sternum injuries are quite common. They appear as a result of road traffic accidents, falls from a great height, strong impacts. Traumatic damage to the sternum is called "injury to motorists." Fractures and bruises of the sternum are rarely independent, more often they are accompanied by fractures of the ribs, spine or limbs. In some cases, fractures can form bone fragments that can damage internal organs. At the site of injury, there is a slight swelling of the soft tissues and pain. When the debris is displaced, the treatment is surgical. In this case, it is necessary to compare bone fragments for their better fusion.

Xyphoidalgia

This is inflammation of the xiphoid process, or, as it is also called, xiphoid process syndrome. With this disease, organs are affected that communicate and have a common innervation with the process:

  • diaphragm;
  • stomach (with an ulcer);
  • inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis).

In such cases, it is not the process that hurts in patients, but the zone located behind it. There may also be an attack of nausea and a feeling of constriction in the throat. These symptoms and discomfort can be exacerbated by heavy meals or vigorous movement. The pain is aching in nature, variable intensifying and weakening.

With xifoidalgia, there is a violation of posture. It can be pronounced or slightly noticeable. Pain in xiphoidalgia must be differentiated from other pathologies:

  • heart pains;
  • pain in the digestive system;
  • pathologies of the pulmonary system.

This ailment may have the most common symptoms. Treatment is started only when the diagnosis is established accurately.

For accurate diagnosis, the following studies are carried out:

  • radiography;
  • ECG (electrocardiogram);
  • FGS (fibrogastroscopy) of the stomach;
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The treatment of the disease is correct position spine (straighten the shoulder blades). When pain occurs, ice wrapped in a soft cloth is applied to the process.

When xifoidalgia is strictly prohibited:

  • traction of the spine;
  • physiotherapy;
  • straightening the spine on your own with the help of gymnastic exercises.

Why can't you do the above? Because they can provoke strong pain syndrome. In addition, pain in this disease is difficult to remove with the help of analgesics (analgin, novocaine, ketorol). Such diseases can only be cured by a qualified chiropractor.

Tumors

Diagnosis of tumor processes at the first stage is difficult, since symptoms are not always clearly expressed. characteristic feature are pain that is transient. And only with time the pain intensifies and manifests itself more intensely at night. An elastic compaction appears below the sternum, which is well palpable. Gradually it increases and grows. The tumor quickly grows into neighboring tissues and metastasizes.

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