What it means
The long, flat bone in the center of the chest that the ribs attach to. It protects the heart and great vessels. It has three parts: the top (manubrium), the body and the small lower tip (xiphoid process). Open-heart surgery is done by cutting through it (median sternotomy).
For the nurse
Chest compressions in CPR go on the lower half of the sternum. After open-heart surgery, teach sternal precautions, such as not lifting heavy objects or pushing up with the arms, while the bone heals.
At a glance
| Everyday words | breastbone |
|---|---|
| Spanish | esternón |
| Also written | breastbone |
Related terms
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Emergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.
pelvis
The ring of bones at the base of the spine that joins the legs to the trunk, or the lower part of the trunk it encloses.