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Sternum

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The sternum, also called the breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest. It is connected to the ribs with cartilage. Together with the ribs, it helps to protect important organs in the chest, such as the heart and lungs, from damage.

Primary Medical Reviewer Paul D. Traughber, MD
- Radiology
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC
- Diagnostic Radiology
Last Updated September 11, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 11, 2007
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