<P> The sternum or breastbone is a long flat bone located in the center of the chest . It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage , thus helping to protect the heart , lungs , and major blood vessels from injury . Shaped roughly like a necktie , it is one of the largest and longest flat bones of the body . Its three regions are the manubrium , the body , and the xiphoid process . The word `` sternum '' originates from the Greek στέρνον , meaning `` chest '' . </P>
<P> The sternum or breastbone is a long flat bone located in the center of the chest . It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage , thus helping to protect the heart , lungs , and major blood vessels from injury . Shaped roughly like a necktie , it is one of the largest and longest flat bones of the body . Its three regions are the manubrium , the body , and the xiphoid process . The word `` sternum '' originates from the Greek στέρνον , meaning `` chest '' . </P>
the manubrium body and xiphoid process are portions of the
the manubrium body and xiphoid process are portions of the
sternum
sternum