What are the primary parts of the sternum?

• A. Manubrium, middle body, and Xiphoid Process
• B. Clavicle, Scapula, and Sternum
• C. Manubrium, body, and Spinous Process
• D. Body, Xiphoid Process, and Ribs

Answer: (A)

The sternum has three primary parts: the manubrium at the top, the body (the central portion), and the xiphoid process at the bottom. The manubrium forms the upper portion and connects with the clavicles and first ribs. The body is the main central portion that articulates with the costal cartilages of ribs 2 through 7. The xiphoid process is the small inferior tip, which is cartilaginous in youth and ossifies with age. The other choices mix in bones not part of the sternum itself (like the clavicle, scapula, or vertebral spinous processes) or refer to ribs, which are connected to the sternum but not parts of it.