# What is the breastbone called?

The breastbone is called the sternum. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a flat, elongated bone in three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

## What it means

- A flat, elongated bone in three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
- Forms the front wall of the chest.
- Provides attachment for the clavicles and the upper seven pairs of ribs.

## Action steps

1. In the midline of the front of the chest.
2. Between the two sets of ribs.
3. The manubrium joins the clavicles; the body joins the costal cartilages of the ribs.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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