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xiphisternum

 
American Heritage Dictionary:

xiph·i·ster·num

(zĭf'ĭ-stûr'nəm) pronunciation
n., pl., -na (-nə).
The posterior and smallest of the three divisions of the sternum, below the gladiolus and the manubrium. Also called xiphoid, xiphoid process.

[Greek xiphos, sword + STERNUM.]


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xiphisternum

The inferior end of the sternum that articulates with the sternal body and serves as an attachment point for the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.

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categories related to 'xiphoid process'

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For a list of words related to xiphoid process, see:
  • Skeleton - xiphoid process: point of lower breastbone


Wikipedia on Answers.com:

Xiphoid process

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Bone: Xiphoid process
Gray117.png
Lateral (side) border of sternum. (Xiphoid process labeled at bottom.)
Gray116.png
Posterior surface of sternum. (Xiphoid process labeled at bottom.)
Latin processus xiphoideus
Gray's subject #27 121
MeSH Xiphoid+Bone

The xiphoid process, or xiphisternum or metasternum, is a small cartilaginous process (extension) of the lower part of the sternum which is usually ossified in the adult human. By age 15 to 29, the xiphoid usually fuses to the body of the sternum with a fibrous joint. Unlike the synovial articulation of major joints, this is non-movable. Much the way the first seven ribs articulate with the sternum, the cartilage in the celiac plexus joins on the xiphoid process, reinforcing it, and indirectly attaches the costal cartilage to the sternum. In newborn babies and young (especially slender) infants, the tip of the xiphoid process may be both seen and felt as a lump just below the sternal notch.

Contents

Bifurcation

The xiphoid process can be naturally bifurcated, and sometimes perforated. These variances in morphology are inheritable, which can help group family members together when dealing with burial remains. These morphological differences pose no health risk, and are simply a difference in form.

Clinical significances

Pressure on the xiphoid process should be avoided when administering chest compressions in CPR, as this can cause the xiphoid process to break off, resulting in punctures or lacerations of the diaphragm. Additionally, the liver may be punctured, resulting in lethal hemorrhaging.

In 1712 was the first known case of a xiphoid disorder.[1] The xiphoid process is considered to be at the level of the 9th thoracic vertebrae and the T6 dermatome.

Xiphoidalgia(Xiphodynia) is a syndrome distinguishable by pain and tenderness to the sternum. While some sources describe this disorder as rare, others suggest it is relatively common but overlooked by physicians. [2] Symptoms can include abdominal pain, chest pain, nausea and radiating pain to the back, neck, and shoulders. Lifting heavy objects or trauma to the chest may be the cause of this musculoskeletal disorder and pain may be heightened by bending or twisting. Anesthetic and steroid injections are commonly employed to treat this medical condition. [3]

Pericardiocentesis, the procedure whereby fluid is aspirated from the pericardium, often uses the xiphisternum as an anatomical landmark by which this procedure is carried out. [4]

Xiphoid process in birds

In birds, the xiphoid process is a long structure, often following the direction of the carinatae.

Etymology

The word derives from the Greek word xiphos for straight sword, the tip of which the process somewhat resembles.

Additional images

References


 
 
Related topics:
xiphoid
ensiform
metasternum

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Copyrights:

American Heritage Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright © Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved.  Read more
Saunders Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved.  Read more
Random House Word Menu. © 2010 Write Brothers Inc. Word Menu is a registered trademark of the Estate of Stephen Glazier. Write Brothers Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
Wikipedia on Answers.com. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article Xiphoid process Read more

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