How does the sternum protect the heart?

Function of the Sternum Sternum: This image shows the parts of the sternum. Together with the anterior ribs, the sternum helps to protect the heart and lungs from damage, as well as facilitates the expansion and contraction of the thoracic cavity during respiration.

Is the sternum used for protection?

The sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat, bony plate that forms the most anterior section of the rib cage. The primary function of the sternum is the protection of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels from physical damage.

Can you live without a sternum?

Removal of the sternum creates some instability to the rib cage, but most patients do well without an intact sternum. It does, however, create a large space which the overlying skin alone cannot close. The body will fill any such empty space, called dead space, with clotted blood, serum or lymph.

What is the sternum to the heart?

The sternum or breastbone is a long flat bone located in the central part of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury….

How does the rib cage protect important organ like the heart and lungs?

Answer: The rib cage protects the lungs and heart by ranjit barrier that completely encircles the chest cavity,protecting the heart and lungs from blunt force injuries.

What part of the sternum is used for CPR?

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the xiphoid process may be used as a bony landmark to determine the location for administering chest compressions.

What happens without a sternum?

Absence of the sternum introduces multiple risks, most obviously mediastinal injury, hypothermia, and insensible fluid losses. Equally important, however, are the respiratory and hemodynamic sequelae that can occur.

What happens if you break sternum?

A broken sternum typically causes moderate to severe pain when the accident occurs. The pain may get worse when you take a deep breath, cough, or sneeze. The area over the sternum may be tender and hurt if touched.

What happens if you break your sternum?

What covers the sternum?

The sternum is composed of highly vascular tissue, covered by a thin layer of compact bone which is thickest in the manubrium between the articular facets for the clavicles.

Is the sternum anterior to the lungs?

The sternum lies anterior to the heart. Towards the back of the body. The heart lies medial to the lungs.

What type of functions does the sternum have?

The Anatomy of the Sternum Anatomy. The sternum as a whole has been compared to an upside-down sword due to the rectangular part at the top resembling a handle. Function. The sternum connects the first six ribs in the middle of the chest while serving as a strong protector of the stomach, heart, and lungs which lie below. Associated Conditions. Treatment.

What is the purpose for the sternum?

The main purpose of sternum is to protect the vital organs(heart,lungs and connecting blood vessels) from physical damage,As it connects to the ribs via cartilage forming the front of rib cage.

What are the 3 parts to the sternum?

Sternum. The ribcage protects the lungs, blood vessels, and heart, along with parts of the spleen, stomach, and kidneys from traumatic injury. The sternum is attached to the first seven ribs and also to the clavicle, or collarbone. The sternum is made up of three parts called the manubrim, the body, and the xiphoid process.

What does the sternum articulate with?

The body of the sternum articulates above with the manubrium by means of a fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphis) called the manubriosternal joint, which allows slight movement between these two parts of the sternum when the ribs rise and fall during breathing.