How Do You Spell PLANUM STERNALE?

1. Planum sternale, also known as the sternal plateau, refers to a flat or slightly concave surface located on the front portion of the sternum, which is the long flat bone situated in the middle of the chest. This anatomical feature can be found in various species, including humans and certain animals.

   In humans, the planum sternale is specifically defined as the lower part of the body of the sternum. It serves as an attachment point for several important structures in the body, such as muscles and ligaments. The sternum itself plays a significant role in protecting the underlying organs, including the heart and lungs.

   The planum sternale is crucial for facilitating the attachment of the rib bones to the sternum. It provides firm support for the articulation of the sternocostal joints, where the cartilages of the true ribs fuse with the sternum. This interconnection allows for the stability and proper movement of the ribcage during respiration. Additionally, the planum sternale assists in supporting the pectoral muscles, which are responsible for movements of the upper limbs.

   Furthermore, the planum sternale serves as a landmark in medical and anatomical studies, aiding in the identification and localization of other anatomical structures in the thoracic region. It is an important reference point for various imaging techniques, such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, enabling clinicians and radiologists to interpret and evaluate conditions or injuries affecting the chest area accurately.

2. The sternal plane or anterior surface of the sternum.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PLANUM STERNALE

The word "planum sternale" consists of two Latin terms: "planum" and "sternale".

1. "Planum" comes from the Latin noun "planus" meaning "flat" or "level". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *pleh₁- meaning "flat, broad". This root also gave rise to words like "plane" and "planar" in English.

2. "Sternale" is derived from the Latin noun "sternum", meaning "breastbone" or "sternum" in English. "Sternum" itself comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *ster- meaning "breast" or "chest". This root also gave rise to related words like "sterno-" in English, which is used in scientific terms to refer to the sternum or the breastbone.