sternum

Term: sternum

Origin: Anc Greek

στέρνον/sternon(=chest, breastbone)

> στηρίζω/sterizo(=support)

Definition

Sternum in vertebrates  is a long flat bony plate located in the center of the thorax (chest). It is absent in both turtles and snakes and it consists of three main parts ( superior to inferior):

1. Manubrium
2. Body of sternum
3. Xiphoid process