Description
The xiphoid bone (xiphoid bone, xiphisternum or ensiform bone) is the thin, triangular, lower part of the sternum. It is located at the level of the tenth thoracic vertebra. Its shape can vary, where it can also appear as curved or bifid, and it contains:
—two surfaces (anterior and posterior);
—three borders (superior and two lateral).
The xiphoid process articulates with the:
—body of the sternum, forming the xiphisternal joint;
—costal cartilages of the right and left seventh ribs, forming the seventh costosternal joints.
