Sterno-Pericardial Ligaments

Sterno-Pericardial Ligaments: Anatomy and Role in the Functioning of the Heart

The sternopericardial ligaments (lat. sternopericardiaca, pna, bna) are important structures that provide support and stability to the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart. They play an important role in maintaining the correct position of the heart inside the chest cavity and ensuring its functional connection with surrounding tissues and structures.

Anatomically, the sternopericardial ligaments are dense ligamentous structures consisting of connective tissue fibers. They are located between the anterior surface of the pericardium and the inner surface of the sternum. There are several types of sternopericardial ligaments, including the posterior, anterior, and collateral ligaments.

The posterior sternopericardial ligament (ligamentum sternopericardialum according to Stemmler) extends from the anterior surface of the body of the sternum and forms a strong connection between the posterior surface of the pericardium and the fascia of the transverse thoracic muscle. It helps prevent abnormal displacement of the heart and pericardium during chest movements.

The anterior sternopericardial ligament (ligamentum sternopericardiacum according to Stemmler) is located between the anterior surface of the pericardium and the posterior surface of the sternum. It strengthens the anterior part of the pericardium and ensures its stable position in the chest cavity.

The lateral sternopericardial ligaments (left and right) connect the lateral parts of the pericardium with the inner surfaces of the sternal cartilages. They also help maintain the correct position of the heart and pericardium.

The sternopericardial ligaments perform a number of important functions. They maintain the heart in a stable position in the chest cavity, preventing its unnecessary movement and displacement. This is especially important during physical activity and breathing movements, when the chest is subject to stress. In addition, the sternopericardial ligaments help maintain the correct position of the heart relative to surrounding structures such as blood vessels, lungs, and the diaphragm.

In practice, the sternopericardial ligaments may become the focus of attention in surgical and diagnostic procedures. For example, when performing heart surgery, surgeons may pay attention to these ligaments to ensure safe and precise manipulation around the heart. The study of the sternopericardial ligaments can also be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of various heart diseases and pathologies.

In conclusion, the sternopericardial ligaments play an important role in maintaining the stability and function of the heart in the thoracic cavity. They ensure the correct position of the heart and pericardium, preventing their excessive movements and displacements. Understanding the anatomy and function of these ligaments is of great importance for surgeons, cardiologists and other specialists working with the cardiovascular system.

Sternoperoidal ligaments are connecting structures that provide a reliable connection of the sternum and ribs with the outer surface of the heart. These ligaments form the walls of the pericardial sac, filled with pericardioral fluid, which protects the heart from external influences and ensures good blood circulation within the heart muscle. The sternopernoid ligaments are divided into tendon and fibrous parts. The sternoperiodal tendinous ligament originates from the mastoid bone and the lateral surface of the sternum and continues in the form of tendons in the form of six bands, passing into the openings between the individual ribs. The fibrous ligament sternum pegaoidal originates from the lateral edge of the straight groove and the outer edges of the arches of the ribs, extends to the intercostal muscles and is attached to the edges of the pectoral and costoarcular joints. Its fibers form a rigid ligamentous belt that strengthens the chest wall. In addition, the ligament plays the role of stabilizer of the chest and sternum during breathing and movement. The sternoperoid ligaments are important for the proper functioning of the respiratory system, musculoskeletal