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xiphisternum

 
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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Sports Science and Medicine: xiphoid process
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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.

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

The xiphoid process, also known as the xiphisternum, is a small cartilaginous extension to 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.

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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 significance

Pressure on the xiphoid process should be avoided when administering chest compressions in CPR, as this can cause the xiphoid process to break off and be driven into the heart lining and muscle, resulting in punctures or lacerations of the diaphragm. The xiphoid process is considered to be at the level of the 9th thoracic vertebrae and the T7 dermatome.

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.

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xiphoid
ensiform
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Copyrights:

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
Sports Science and Medicine. The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright © Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved.  Read more
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
Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Xiphoid process" Read more