Sternum

Sternum or breastbone is a long, flat bone located in the center of the thorax (chest). It connects to the rib bones via cartilage, forming the rib cage with them, and thus helps to protect the lungs and heart from physical trauma.

Body

('corpus sterni; gladiolus')

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The body, considerably longer, narrower, and thinner than the manubrium, attains its greatest breadth close to the lower end.

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