Abstract
Xiphoid process is smallest and distal component of manubrium sternum which is located in epigastrium. Variations in size and shape of xiphoid process are commonly observed. During teaching sternum to 1st M.B.B.S. students of MGM Medical College, Navi Mumbai, two small foramina in two different xiphoid processes were noticed. Though presence of foramen in xiphoid process is not uncommon, their presence should not be ignored. During assessment of injuries in autopsy, post-mortem examination and radiological reporting knowledge of xiphoid process and foramina in xiphoid process will be helpful.
Highlights
Sternum is a flat bone which forms anterior boundary of thoracic wall
Medial fibres of rectus abdominis and aponeurosis of external and internal oblique muscle are attached to anterior surface of xiphoid process and aponeurosis of internal oblique and transversus abdominis is attached to lateral border of xiphoid process
Sternum develops from 6 centres, one for manubrium, four for body and one for xiphoid process 4,5
Summary
Prosternum or manubrium, mesosternum or body and metasternum or xiphoid process are the three components of sternum. Xiphoid process is derived from the Greek word “xiphos” means straight sword[1]. It articulates with body of sternum and forms xiphisternal joint. It is symphysis type of joint which usually gets transformed into synostosis variety of joint at the age of 40 years. Along with lateral border facet of xiphoid process, inferior angle of lower part of body of sternum forms a common facet for 7th intercostal cartilage. Phrenic nerve (C3, 4, 5) supply to the two fleshy slips of diaphragm arising from back of the xiphoid process in addition to the lower intercostal nerves 2, 3. The knowledge of variations may be important for academic and research purpose
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