1. The ventral portion of the sternum (breastbone) in front of the manubrium; the anterior part of the chest wall.
Usage: anatomy; technical

Examples

• The presternum is an important anatomical landmark for clinical examination.
• Surgeons must carefully identify the presternum before making incisions in chest surgery.
• The presternum lies anterior to the heart and major blood vessels.
• Palpation of the presternum can reveal abnormalities in the chest wall.
• In anatomy class, students learn to locate the presternum on skeletal models.