Anterior view, anatomical position

The xiphoid (like a sword) or xiphoid process is the most inferior of the sternebrae.  It has no "z"s or "y"s in its name.  In a young person it is hyaline cartilage, but is bone by the time one is 40 years old.  It is sometimes broken when a person receives CPR.  It is part of the origin for the diaphragm and insertion for the rectus abdominis muscle.  The joint between the xiphoid and the body of the sternum is at the level of the ninth thoracic vertebra.  Although it begins as an amphiarthrosis, it often becomes a synostosis in older people.  It also has a demifacet on each side that articulates with the inferior portion of the costal cartilage of rib 7.

COPYRIGHT 2007 by William C. Johnson II
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