What does Xiphisternum mean?
xiphisternum. / (ˌzɪfɪˈstɜːnəm) / noun plural -na (-nə) anatomy zoology the cartilaginous process forming the lowermost part of the breastbone (sternum)Also called: xiphoid, xiphoid process.
Where is Xiphisternum located?
sternum
The xiphoid process is the smallest region of the sternum, or breastbone. It’s made up of cartilage at birth but develops into bone in adulthood. It’s located where the lower ribs attach to the breastbone. The tip of the xiphoid process resembles a sword.
What is ossification of the xiphoid process?
Developmentally, the xiphoid process begins as a structure made of hyaline cartilage at birth and childhood, slowly ossifying into a bony part of the sternum. In fact, the ossification of the xiphoid process is so slow that it often does not end until an individual reaches the age of 40.
At what age does the sternum ossify?
From 6–12 years of age, the ossification centers usually merge completely into a single ossification center. The calcification and the fusion of the sternebrae are usually complete by 25 years of age (6–8).
Why does my xiphoid process hurt?
Xiphoid process pain can be triggered by many different causes and is most commonly a result of acute chest trauma. Inflammation of the region can cause a lump to develop that may be mistaken for a more serious condition, such as a tumor or a hernia.
What thoracic level is the Xiphisternum?
The xiphoid process is considered to be at the level of the 9th thoracic vertebra and the T7 dermatome.
What is behind your breastbone?
The thymus is a small organ located just behind the breast bone (sternum) in the front part of the chest.
Can xiphoid process be removed?
The xiphoid process can be removed using an electrosurgical dissection of the lower sternum. The procedure is considered safe, with a low risk of complications.
What does to ossify mean?
1 : to change into bone The cartilages ossified with age. 2 : to become hardened or conventional and opposed to change so easy for the mind to ossify and generous ideals to end in stale platitudes— John Buchan. transitive verb. 1 : to change (a material, such as cartilage) into bone ossified tendons of muscle.
What is the ossification of the xiphoid process?
The ossification of the xiphoid process presents itself as a lump that is commonly thought by patients as a tumor that may cause cancer. They have to be reassured that it is a normal development of the xiphoid process [1, 2, 3].
When does the xiphisternum ossify?
The xiphisternum forms a symphysis with the lower end of the sternal body, the so-called xiphisternal joint . This process can ossify at any time after the third year of life but usually occurs in adulthood after the fourth decade 1 .
What attaches to the xiphoid process of the sternum?
Unlike the other two parts of the sternum namely manubrium and body, there are costal cartilages and ribs that are attached to the xiphoid process. Attached to the anterior surface of the xiphoid process are the anterior costoxiphoid ligament and a section of the rectus abdominis muscle.
What is the posterior surface of the sternum called?
Posterior surface of sternum. (Xiphoid process labeled at bottom.) The xiphoid process / ˈzaɪfɔɪd /, or xiphisternum or metasternum, is a small cartilaginous process (extension) of the lower (inferior) part of the sternum, which is usually ossified in the adult human. It may also be referred to as the ensiform process.