Sternal Line

The sternal line (sternocostal), linea sternalis, is the line connecting the ridges of the axillary fold and the xiphoid process of the costal bone, formed by the rectus chest muscles. Line and direction “on oneself”. It starts from the edge of the anterior axillary line, goes upward, bending around the chest on both sides, and ends at the junction of the cartilage of the seventh rib and the xiphoid bone. The chest cavity is divided between the line and the supraclavicular (oblique) line.

The left branch of the line passes into the median plane, forming the protrusion of the sternum. On the left side of the chest, the sternum protrudes, has a smooth surface and protrudes slightly beyond the sternum - during examination, doctors do not recommend pulling back the skin. The right branch is less pronounced in structure.

Direction