Sternal

Relating to the sternum, also known as the breastbone. The sternum is a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest, connecting to the ribs via cartilage. It serves as a protective shield for vital organs like the heart and lungs and is a critical point of attachment for the ribs and certain chest muscles. The sternal region is commonly examined in medical assessments to detect abnormalities like fractures or signs of injury or disease.

Sternal meaning with examples

• During the physical examination, the doctor palpated the sternal area to assess for tenderness or swelling, a common diagnostic step. The patient reported sharp pain in the sternal region after a car accident, suggesting potential injury to the breastbone itself.
• Cardiac surgeons often perform a median sternotomy, a surgical procedure where the sternum is cut to access the heart. The sternal sutures were carefully placed following the cardiac surgery to stabilize the bone and promote proper healing.
• Chest radiographs help in evaluating sternal fractures which are painful and require further imaging. The radiologist reviewed the sternal X-ray to look for any signs of an underlying condition.
• Certain types of chest pain may radiate from the sternal region, prompting doctors to evaluate the patient's symptoms carefully. The oncologist examined the sternal lymph nodes for metastatic spread in advanced cases.