Have you ever wondered what doesn’t attach to the sternum? Well, it turns out that not everything in your body is connected to this bone. The sternum is a flat bone located in the center of your chest and serves as a crucial anchor point for many muscles and other structures. However, there are still some parts that aren’t attached to it, and this knowledge can come in handy in a variety of situations.
One example of something that doesn’t attach to the sternum is the diaphragm. This muscle is responsible for the crucial function of breathing and is located just below the lungs. Although it’s not attached to the sternum, the diaphragm still plays an essential role in respiratory function. By contracting and relaxing, it creates negative pressure that pulls air into the lungs and expels carbon dioxide from the body. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to breathe properly.
Another structure that doesn’t attach to the sternum is the heart. Although the heart is located just behind the sternum, it’s actually suspended in the chest cavity by ligaments and the pericardium – a sac-like structure that contains the heart. Despite not being physically attached to the sternum, the heart plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s blood flow and overall health. With beat after beat, it pumps blood throughout the body to provide oxygen, nutrients and remove waste products.
Anatomy of the Sternum
The sternum, commonly known as the breastbone, is a long flat bone that connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the ribcage. The sternum is a critical bone that provides structural support and protection to vital organs such as the heart and lungs. This bone consists of three parts – the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.
- Manubrium: The manubrium is the broadest and uppermost part of the sternum that is located at the base of the neck. It articulates with the clavicles and the first two ribs.
- Body: The body is the middle and the longest part of the sternum that joins the manubrium to the xiphoid process and articulates with the third to the seventh ribs.
- Xiphoid Process: The xiphoid process is the smallest and the lowest part of the sternum that is made of cartilage up until the age of 40 when it ossifies into a bony structure. It lies at the level of the ninth thoracic vertebra and marks the end of the sternum.
The sternum is a crucial attachment site for various muscles, including the pectoralis major, which is a large muscle that covers the chest, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which tilts and rotates the head, and the diaphragm, which is the primary muscle for respiration. However, some structures do not attach to the sternum.
Bones of the Chest
The chest or thorax is an intricate part of our body that houses many vital organs and protects them from external damage. The sternum or breastbone is the centerpiece of the chest, which connects to the ribs and collarbone through several ligaments and tendons, forming a protective cage that encloses the heart, lungs, and other organs.
What Does Not Attach to the Sternum?
- The lumbar vertebrae, which are located in the lower back, do not attach to the sternum.
- The sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine, does not attach directly to the sternum but instead connects to the ilium bones of the pelvis.
- The coccyx, or tailbone, which consists of four small vertebrae at the bottom of the spine, does not attach to the sternum.
These bones do not directly attach to the sternum, but they still play a crucial role in supporting the body and facilitating movement. The lumbar vertebrae provide flexibility and stability to the spine, while the sacrum and coccyx support the pelvis and enable movements such as sitting or standing.
It’s important to note that while these bones may not attach to the sternum, they are still connected to other parts of the body and work together to provide strength and mobility.
The Rib Cage: A Closer Look
In addition to the sternum and spine, the rib cage is an essential component of the chest, enclosing and protecting the vital organs within. The rib cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs, which attach to the thoracic vertebrae in the back and either directly or indirectly to the sternum in the front.
The first seven pairs of ribs, known as the true or vertebrosternal ribs, attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilage. The next three pairs of ribs, known as the false or vertebrochondral ribs, connect to the sternum indirectly through the cartilage of the rib above them. The remaining two pairs of ribs, known as floating or vertebral ribs, do not attach to the sternum at all and are only connected to the thoracic vertebrae.
| Rib Pairs | Type of Ribs | Attachment to Sternum |
|---|---|---|
| 1-7 | True or Vertebrosternal Ribs | Directly via costal cartilage |
| 8-10 | False or Vertebrochondral Ribs | Indirectly through cartilage of rib above |
| 11-12 | Floating or Vertebral Ribs | Do not attach to sternum |
The rib cage plays a vital role in breathing, as the movement of the ribs expands and contracts the chest, allowing for the inhalation and exhalation of air. Additionally, it provides protection to our internal organs, helping to cushion them from external trauma.
Overall, the bones of the chest work together to provide support, protection, and mobility to the body, allowing us to go about our daily activities with ease.
Common Chest Injuries
The chest is a vital part of the body that houses important organs such as the heart and lungs. Accidents, sports injuries, and other traumatic events can lead to a range of chest injuries. Some of these injuries may involve the sternum, the flat bone in the center of the chest. Unlike other bones in the body, the sternum is not a weight-bearing bone, and it relies on other bones and muscles for support.
What does not attach to the sternum?
- The diaphragm
- The lungs
- The rib bones
- The clavicle
Of these body parts, one important structure that does not attach to the sternum is the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and helps in the process of breathing. The diaphragm attaches to the lower rib bones and the spine but does not connect to the sternum.
Other body parts that do not attach to the sternum include the lungs, which are housed within the chest cavity, and the rib bones, which are attached to the vertebral column in the back and the sternum in front through cartilage. The clavicle, or collarbone, is also attached to the sternum through cartilage but does not directly attach to the sternum bone itself.
Types of Common Chest Injuries
Chest injuries can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common chest injuries include:
- Fractured or broken ribs
- Chest wall contusions (bruises)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity)
- Sternal fractures (broken breastbone)
- Flail chest (multiple rib fractures)
Fractured or broken ribs are the most common type of chest injury. They can occur due to blunt trauma to the chest or from a fall. Chest wall contusions can result from direct impact to the chest, causing bruising and pain. More severe chest injuries, such as pneumothorax or hemothorax, can result from trauma to the chest that punctures the lung or causes bleeding within the chest cavity. Fractures of the sternum, or breastbone, can also occur, usually as a result of significant blunt force trauma. Flail chest is a more severe type of injury that occurs when multiple ribs are broken in more than one place, causing a portion of the chest wall to move independently from the rest of the chest.
Chest Injury Treatment
Treatment for chest injuries depends on the severity of the injury and the specific body part involved. Mild chest contusions or rib fractures may heal with rest and pain management, while more severe chest injuries may require hospitalization and surgery. The treatment approach may also vary based on the underlying cause of the injury. For example, treatment for a collapsed lung may involve inserting a chest tube to remove excess air or blood from the chest cavity. For severe or life-threatening chest injuries, emergency medical attention is critical.
| Injury Type | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Fractured/broken ribs | Pain, swelling, difficulty breathing | Rest, pain medication, rib brace |
| Chest wall contusion | Bruising, tenderness, pain | Rest, pain medication, ice/heat therapy |
| Pneumothorax | Chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate | Chest tube insertion, oxygen therapy |
| Hemothorax | Chest pain, rapid breathing, low blood pressure | Thoracentesis, blood transfusion if necessary |
| Sternal fracture | Chest pain, swelling, difficulty breathing | Rest, pain medication, chest brace if necessary |
| Flail chest | Chest pain, shortness of breath, paradoxical chest movement | Oxygen therapy, intubation, surgery if necessary |
It is important to seek medical attention immediately for any chest injury, as the chest houses vital organs and even minor injuries can lead to serious complications.
Chest Exercise and Muscles Involved
When it comes to chest exercises, most people focus on the major muscles that attach to the sternum, such as the pectoralis major and minor. But did you know that there are several other muscles that don’t attach to the sternum but play an important role in chest exercises? Here are some of them:
- Serratus Anterior: This muscle originates from the upper eight or nine ribs and inserts onto the medial border of the scapula. It helps to protract and stabilize the scapula during pushing exercises, such as push-ups and bench press.
- Subscapularis: This muscle originates from the subscapular fossa of the scapula and inserts onto the lesser tubercle of the humerus. It internally rotates the arm and helps to stabilize the shoulder joint during pushing exercises.
- Latissimus Dorsi: This muscle originates from the lower spine and iliac crest and inserts onto the humerus. It is involved in many pushing and pulling exercises and helps to adduct and extend the arm.
While these muscles may not attach directly to the sternum, they are still important for chest exercises and overall upper body strength. Now, let’s take a closer look at the major muscles involved in chest exercises:
The pectoralis major is the primary muscle responsible for chest development. It is divided into two parts, the clavicular head and the sternal head. The clavicular head originates from the medial half of the clavicle, while the sternal head originates from the sternum and the upper six costal cartilages. Both heads insert onto the humerus and are involved in adduction, flexion, and horizontal adduction of the arm.
The pectoralis minor is a smaller muscle that lies underneath the pectoralis major. It originates from the third, fourth, and fifth ribs and inserts onto the coracoid process of the scapula. It is involved in scapular protraction and depression.
| Primary Muscle | Secondary Muscles |
|---|---|
| Pectoralis Major | Triceps, Anterior Deltoids |
| Pectoralis Minor | Serratus Anterior |
While the primary muscles involved in chest exercises are the pectoralis major and minor, it’s important to also target the secondary muscles, such as the triceps and anterior deltoids, for a well-rounded upper body workout.
Rib Fractures and Treatment
When it comes to rib fractures, there are several things that can impact the healing process. Understanding what doesn’t attach to the sternum can help you understand the importance of proper treatment.
- The first thing you should know is that ribs don’t connect to the sternum in the middle of the chest. Instead, they connect to the spine in the back and to cartilage in the front. This lack of direct attachment to the sternum means that any injury to the ribs can cause the bone to move more easily than other bones in the body.
- In addition to being more mobile, rib fractures can also be incredibly painful. Any movement of the chest can cause sharp pain, making it difficult to breathe, cough, or even sneeze.
- While most rib fractures will heal on their own with proper rest and pain management, more severe cases may require medical intervention. Treatment for rib fractures can include pain medication, bracing, and even surgery in extreme cases.
To get a better understanding of just how serious rib fractures can be, let’s take a closer look at some of the treatment options available for this type of injury.
The first step in treating a rib fracture is to limit physical activity. This can be done through the use of a brace or other supportive device that will help keep the ribs in place while they heal. However, in some cases, this method may not be sufficient.
In more severe cases, doctors may need to use additional measures to help the ribs heal properly. This can include the use of pain medication to help manage discomfort, or even surgery to repair more serious breaks.
| Treatment Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Rest and Pain Management | The most common treatment method for rib fractures is to limit physical activity and use pain medication to help manage discomfort. |
| Bracing | Some patients may require additional support to keep the ribs in place while they heal. This can be done through the use of a brace or other supportive device. |
| Surgery | In severe cases, surgery may be required to help repair more serious breaks or to correct any damage to surrounding tissues. |
While rib fractures can be incredibly painful, with proper treatment and care, most patients will heal fully over time. Understanding the unique properties of the rib cage and the importance of prompt medical attention can help ensure a faster and more complete recovery.
Respiratory System and the Sternum
The respiratory system plays a crucial role in human survival. It allows the exchange of gases necessary for life and helps regulate the body’s pH levels. The sternum, a central bone in the chest, provides protection for some of the respiratory system’s vital organs, including the heart and lungs. However, there are several parts of the respiratory system that do not attach directly to the sternum.
- The trachea: Also known as the windpipe, the trachea is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi in the lungs. It is made of cartilage rings that keep it open, but these rings do not attach to the sternum.
- The bronchi: The trachea divides into two bronchi, one for each lung. Like the trachea, the bronchi are composed of cartilage and do not attach directly to the sternum.
- The bronchioles: As the bronchi divide, they become smaller bronchioles until they reach the alveoli. These small airways do not contain cartilage and are too small to attach to the sternum.
- The alveoli: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange with the bloodstream occurs. They are not part of the respiratory airways and do not attach to the sternum.
In addition to the above respiratory structures, there are several other essential organs and systems that do not attach to the sternum, including the digestive system, circulatory system, and spinal cord.
Overall, the sternum plays a vital role in protecting the heart and lungs in the respiratory system. However, there are several critical structures that do not attach directly to the sternum, including the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.
| Respiratory System Structures | Attachment to the Sternum |
|---|---|
| Trachea | No |
| Bronchi | No |
| Bronchioles | No |
| Alveoli | No |
Medical Conditions That Affect the Sternum
While the sternum is a strong and sturdy bone that attaches to various muscles and structures in the chest area, there are several medical conditions that can affect it in different ways. Some of these conditions include:
- Sternum cancer: This is a rare type of bone cancer that develops in the sternum. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing, among other symptoms.
- Sternum fractures: These can occur due to trauma, such as a car accident or a fall. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, and bruising in the chest area.
- Sternum infection: Also known as osteomyelitis, this is a bacterial or fungal infection that can affect the sternum and cause pain, swelling, and fever.
- Sternum arthritis: This is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the sternum and the joints between the sternum and the ribs. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the chest area.
- Sternum dislocation: This is a rare condition where the sternum becomes dislocated from the rest of the chest cavity. It can cause pain, difficulty breathing, and a visible protrusion of the sternum.
- Sternum tumor: This is a non-cancerous growth that can develop in the sternum. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing, among other symptoms.
- Sternum cyst: This is a non-cancerous fluid-filled sac that can develop in the sternum. It can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort in the chest area.
While some of these conditions are more serious than others, any pain or discomfort in the chest area should be evaluated by a medical professional. They can perform a physical exam, order imaging tests, and provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
In cases where a fracture or dislocation is suspected, a medical professional may need to immobilize the sternum with a brace or cast until it heals. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign or stabilize the sternum.
Here is a table summarizing the medical conditions that can affect the sternum:
| Medical Condition | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Sternum cancer | Pain, swelling, difficulty breathing | Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery |
| Sternum fractures | Pain, tenderness, bruising | Immobilization, pain medication, surgery (in severe cases) |
| Sternum infection | Pain, swelling, fever | Antibiotics, surgery (in severe cases) |
| Sternum arthritis | Pain, stiffness, swelling | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy |
| Sternum dislocation | Pain, difficulty breathing, visible protrusion | Immobilization, surgery (in severe cases) |
| Sternum tumor | Pain, swelling, difficulty breathing | Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery |
| Sternum cyst | Pain, swelling, discomfort | Observation, surgery (in severe cases) |
If you are experiencing any chest pain, discomfort, or difficulty breathing, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve your overall health and well-being.
What Does Not Attach to the Sternum?
1. What is the sternum?
The sternum, or the breastbone, is a long flat bone located in the center of the chest. It plays an important role in protecting the heart and other vital organs.
2. What attaches to the sternum?
Many muscles and bones attach to the sternum, including the ribs, collarbone, and some of the chest muscles.
3. What does not attach to the sternum?
Not all bones and muscles in the chest region attach to the sternum. Some examples include the scapulae (shoulder blades), which are attached to the back of the ribcage, and the lumbar vertebrae, which are part of the spine.
4. Can the sternum become detached?
In rare cases, the sternum can become separated from the ribs due to trauma or injury. This condition, known as a sternal fracture, can be very painful and requires medical attention.
5. Can a lack of attachment to the sternum cause health problems?
In most cases, a lack of attachment to the sternum is not a cause for concern. However, some conditions such as scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine) or kyphosis (rounded upper back) can lead to changes in the position of the ribs and chest muscles.
6. How can I keep my sternum healthy?
Maintaining good posture and engaging in regular exercise can help to keep the sternum and other bones and muscles in the chest healthy. Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can also help to promote bone health.
7. Where can I learn more about the sternum?
If you have questions about the sternum, anatomy, or any other health-related topic, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you know what does not attach to the sternum, you can better appreciate the complexity of the human body. As you go about your day, take a moment to notice the many different bones and muscles that work together to keep you healthy and active. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more informative articles in the future!