The function of the sternum is very important. The sternum is a long bone whose function is to protect the vital organs of the chest. These important organs include the heart and lungs.
In addition to the important organs, the breastbone also protects the muscles and arteries. The delicate cartilage is also protected by the breastbone.
The breastbone also plays an important role in protecting all organs located near the torso area which is the connection point for a number of bones and muscles.
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Function of the sternum and its anatomy
As cited from the Healthline page, the breastbone or breastbone is a bone that sits in the middle of the human chest. Long, flat and flat bones. You can feel it by placing your fingers in the center of the chest.
In the anatomy of the human body, the breastbone is made up of 8 bones. These bones are placed antero-posterior in the ventral center of the thorax. The chest itself consists of the breastbone, vertebrae and ribs.
Not only as a protector of different organs, the breastbone is also useful for the connection structure to the upper bones on both sides of the body.
Therefore, the thoracic cavity is also formed by the ribs and the sternum. It has a length of about 15 centimeters, there are 3 main parts in the sternum, namely:
- The dumbbell is the rectangular shaped part of the sternum that is wide at the top.
- Body (mesosterno), the long, flat part that dominates the entire sternum. It is located between the manubrium and the xifisternum.
- Xiphoid process (xiphisternum), a small point at the end of the breastbone that is made up of cartilage and hardens into bone when a person is 40 years old.
Many describe this breastbone as an inverted sword. The reason is that the rectangular shape of the bone is just like the handle of a sword.
Meanwhile, the rest of the sternum resembles a sword blade with a tip very similar to a xiphoid.
Here are some of the uses of the sternum in the human body.
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It protects the organs in the chest
The first function of the sternum is to protect the vital organs of the chest. The breastbone is part of the ribs and is the most anterior bone.
Therefore, the use of the sternum serves to protect the chest organs from injury. The lungs and heart are important organs of the chest that are very protected by this breastbone.
As adhesive bone with muscle
Being a “pillar” attachment of the bones with various muscles it is also one of the functions of the sternum bone. In addition, this type of bone is also a pillar for the attachment of the ribs. Either indirectly or directly.
Like a skeleton
In addition to protecting the stomach, lungs, and heart, the smallest part of the breastbone, also known as the xiphoid, serves as a skeletal system, an entry point for the rectus abdominis, diaphragmatic tendons, and the transverse abdominal muscle.
Read also: The shape of the collarbone in the body along with its location and function
Help the respiratory system
Cartilage connector between the sternum bone and each of the upper 6 ribs, helping with the small movements that occur when a person breathes.
When humans breathe, the lungs will contain oxygen. Meanwhile, the intercostal muscles will contract. The whole process needs space to function properly.
Humans cannot breathe properly if there is no protective lung like respiratory system. If the respiratory organs are functioning properly, the respiratory system will not be disturbed.
Protect the organs of the body around it
The sternum along with the ribs has a fairly hard and solid shape. Therefore, the breastbone also serves to protect surrounding organs.
Starting with the kidneys, stomach and spleen. The sternum will protect him from various types of impact.
So, those were some of the functions of the sternum and its anatomy. Since it has a very important function for the body, you must always maintain its health. (R10 / HR-Online)
