| The skeletal system supports and gives shape to the | | | | The sternum is T-shaped, elongated and flat bone |
| body. Multiple bodily organs are safeguarded by hard | | | | which is at the midst of the thorax, over the heart |
| substances, named as bones. Bones contain calcium | | | | and middle-chest (mediastinum). It consists of three |
| and are quite hard that provide protection to the | | | | main parts. The Manubrium, the gladiolus and the |
| delicate organs in the body. Not only these offer a | | | | xiphoid process form the three parts of sternum. |
| good defense, but bones present the right structure | | | | The sternum provides support to the two sets of |
| to the human body as well as gives robustness. | | | | ribs and is located exactly in the middle of the chest. |
| Similarly, the chest bones protect the delicate heart | | | | As in the development phase of sternum, it is |
| and lungs. Chest, the medical title for it is thorax, | | | | separated into three portions. These three portions |
| consists of 25 bones. The chest bones are of two | | | | are called sternebra. The sternum is close to 17 |
| main types, the sternum and the ribs. | | | | centimetres in size. |
| The Sternum | | | | |