The sternum or breastbone sits in the center of the ribcage. Muscles originate from the sternum, including those that move the neck, head, and arms.

Senior woman with heart attack and headache fall down at home

3d illustration of  human body ribs anatomy

specialist watching image of chest at x-ray film viewer

Woman with chest pain

Woman With a Sore Throat at the Doctors stock photo

Rescue Team Helping Victim Of Car Crash

Paramedic team in ambulance administering CPR to senior patient

I think my cough is getting serious!

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Stat Pearls

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

My Health Alberta

<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8eg48" data-offset-key="6m7l1-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6m7l1-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6m7l1-0-0"><span data-text="true">The skeletal system consists of more than </span></span><span class="qualifier"><span data-offset-key="6m7l1-1-0"><span data-text="true">just</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="6m7l1-2-0"><span data-text="true"> bones. It also consists of cartilage, ligaments and bone tissue. Together these parts protect organs, make blood, support the body, and facilitates mobility. These parts also store and release fats and minerals.</span></span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1be7-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1be7-0-0"> </span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8eg48" data-offset-key="c3qo5-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="c3qo5-0-0"><span data-offset-key="c3qo5-0-0"><span data-text="true">If you have a problem specific to your bones, an Orthopedist can help treat them. You can think of orthopedists as bone doctors. Some of the conditions you can see them for are scoliosis, scapula, and kyphosis. Many of these conditions result in poor posture and abnormal growth. Humans, unlike most other mammals, have an erect posture. Because of our unique posture, we can use our arms and hands to hold and use tools. </span></span><span class="complexword"><span data-offset-key="c3qo5-1-0"><span data-text="true">However</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="c3qo5-2-0"><span data-text="true">, standing straight all the time presents problems, for example, carrying weight. Our skeletons have had to adapt to carry our weight when standing. </span></span><span class="hardreadability"><span data-offset-key="c3qo5-3-0"><span data-text="true">Because we rely on our skeletons for this, conditions that affect our posture puts extra pressure on them</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="c3qo5-4-0"><span data-text="true">. Bone conditions like these become more complicated as you age.</span></span></div>
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Anatomy

<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8v4h4" data-offset-key="1smsj-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1smsj-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1smsj-0-0">Anatomy is a branch of biology. This branch of science in particular deals with organisms and their biological structure. Human anatomy, along with physiology and biochemistry, forms the basis of medicine.</span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8v4h4" data-offset-key="e054a-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="e054a-0-0"><span data-offset-key="e054a-0-0"> </span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8v4h4" data-offset-key="8jihb-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8jihb-0-0"><span data-offset-key="8jihb-0-0">Some parts that make up the body's structure are </span><span class="adverb"><span data-offset-key="8jihb-1-0">incredibly</span></span><span data-offset-key="8jihb-2-0"> complex. Take the circulatory system, for example, which contains the heart and blood vessels. This system </span><span class="complexword"><span data-offset-key="8jihb-3-0">handles a lot of responsibility.</span></span><span data-offset-key="8jihb-4-0"> many crucial functions. It transports blood, nutrients, waste products, immune cells, and clotting cells. It is also </span><span class="adverb"><span data-offset-key="8jihb-5-0">closely</span></span><span data-offset-key="8jihb-6-0"> tied to the lymphatic system and our immune system. </span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8jihb-0-0"><span data-offset-key="8jihb-6-0">As you can see, no one part of our anatomy functions completely separate from the others. </span>All the parts of the structure must get along in order for the body to function.</div>
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Skeletal System

Anatomy of the Sternum

3. Xiphoid Process

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