Sternal angle
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219107345
2008-06-13T16:31:00Z
Mgazda
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{{Infobox Anatomy |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = angulus sterni, angulus sternalis |
GraySubject = 27 |
GrayPage = 121 |
Image = Gray117.png |
Caption = Lateral border of sternum. |
Image2 = Gray115.png |
Caption2 = Anterior surface of sternum and costal cartilages. (Sternal angle not labeled, but visible at second [[costal cartilage]].) |
System = |
MeshName = |
MeshNumber = |
DorlandsPre = a_42 |
DorlandsSuf = 12136357 |
}}
The '''sternal angle''' is the angle formed by the junction of the [[manubrium]] and the body of the [[sternum]]<ref name="isbn0-7817-5936-6">{{cite book |author=Dalley, Arthur F.; Moore, Keith L. |title=Clinically Oriented Anatomy |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |location=Hagerstwon, MD |year= |pages= |isbn=0-7817-5936-6 |oclc= |doi=}}</ref> (the '''manubriosternal junction''') in the form of a secondary cartilaginous joint (symphysis). This is also called the manubriosternal joint or Angle of Louis. The sternal angle is a palpable clinical landmark.
It marks the approximate level of the 2nd pair of [[costal cartilage]]s and the level of the [[intervertebral disc]] between [[thoracic vertebra|T4]] and T5. It also marks approximately the beginning and end of the aortic arch, and the bifurcation of the trachea into the left and right main bronchi.
The angle is approximately 140 degrees.
==See also==
* [[Thoracic plane]]
==References==
<references/>
==External links==
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|18|st|02|12}} - "Thoracic Wall: Bones"
* {{eMedicineDictionary|sternal+angle}}
{{Bones of torso}}
[[Category:Skeletal system]] [[Category:Thorax]]