noun
- the flat bone in the center of the chest that connects to the ribs
Usage: anatomy
Examples
- The doctor listened to her heart by placing the stethoscope on her sternum.
- He felt pain in his sternum after the accident.
- The sternum protects the heart and lungs from injury.
- During CPR, you should place your hands on the lower half of the sternum.
- The ribs attach to the sternum in the front of the chest.
- She had surgery to repair a fractured sternum.