sternum
n. countable C1 Advanced UK //stˈɜːnəm// ster·num
n. the flat, long bone in the middle of your chest that connects your ribs. It is also called the breastbone.
n. the flat, elongated bone in the anterior midline of the thorax, to which the ribs are attached by cartilage. It consists of three fused parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
The doctor checked the sternum for any signs of injury.
During the physical exam, the nurse asked the patient to take a deep breath to check the sternum and ribs.
The sternum serves as a central anchor point for the pectoral muscles and provides structural integrity to the rib cage, protecting the heart and major blood vessels from external impact.
Borrowed from New Latin sternum, related to Old English steorn (“forehead”), German Stirn (“forehead”).