The sternum, also known as the breastbone, is a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest that plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs and serving as an attachment point for important muscles and connective tissues. Anatomically, this bony structure consists of three primary segments: the manubrium at the top, the body (or gladiolus) in the middle, and the xiphoid process at the bottom, forming a key component of the thoracic skeletal framework. Medical imaging and clinical examinations of the sternal region are typically performed to investigate various conditions such as fractures, tumors, infections, inflammatory disorders, and potential structural abnormalities that might impact respiratory or cardiovascular function. Symptoms prompting sternal region evaluation may include chest pain, swelling, tenderness, deformities, or signs of trauma, with diagnostic approaches ranging from standard radiography and computed tomography to more specialized imaging techniques. Sternal disorders can arise from multiple sources, including direct physical injury, surgical interventions, congenital anomalies, systemic diseases like osteoporosis or arthritis, and rare conditions such as sternal tumors or infectious processes. Healthcare providers carefully assess the sternal region’s integrity, looking for any signs of displacement, abnormal growth, structural weakness, or underlying pathological changes that could potentially compromise chest wall stability or indicate more complex medical conditions.

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