Sternal Angle Landmark
Sternal Angle Landmark - Related Videos
04:47
Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach
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Cited by 4 •
2023
Here, we present a protocol to navigate the bronchial maze in a structured manner, splitting the bronchoscopy into a stepwise approach-the four landmarks approach.
05:22
Systematic Endobronchial Ultrasound - The Six Landmarks Approach
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Cited by 1 •
2023
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided sampling using transbronchial needle aspiration plays a key role in staging and diagnosing lung cancer. We propose a systematic stepwise approach dividing the procedure into six landmarks that should be taught to new operators.
01:13
Contact Angle
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2023
When a solid is dipped inside a liquid, the liquid surface becomes curved near the contact. For some solid–liquid interfaces, the liquid is pulled up along the solid, while for others, the liquid surface is convex or depressed near the solid surface. This phenomenon can be explained using the concept of cohesive and adhesive forces. The adhesive force is the molecular force between molecules of different materials, that is, between the molecules of the solid and the liquid. The cohesive force...
01:27
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
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2023
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow. Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:13
Angle of Twist: Problem Solving
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2024
An electric motor applies a torque of 700 N·m to an aluminum shaft, triggering a stable rotation. Two pulleys, B and C, are subjected to torques of 300 N·m and 400 N·m, respectively. The modulus of rigidity is provided as 25 GPa. With the knowledge of the length and diameter of each segment, the twist angle between the two pulleys can be computed. First, a section cut is made between pulleys B and C, and the cut cross-section is analyzed using a free-body diagram. Given that the torque exerted...
FAQs
The second costal cartilage supplies a fixed starting point for identifying the ribs. Once this cartilage is located at the sternal angle, the examiner can count downward to estimate the positions of lower ribs and associated thoracic structures. This makes the landmark more useful than relying on the appearance or position of individual ribs alone.
The transverse plane at the sternal angle corresponds approximately to the tracheal bifurcation and to other major mediastinal structures. Because several internal landmarks share this level, the plane helps connect palpable surface anatomy with deeper thoracic organization. Its value is therefore spatial: it provides a reference for understanding where important structures lie relative to one another.
The T4–T5 vertebral level provides a posterior reference that complements the anterior sternal landmark. Relating these two locations helps students and clinicians orient structures across the depth of the thorax rather than viewing the chest only from the front. This correspondence also supports interpretation of anatomical diagrams and imaging that use vertebral levels for localization.
A student can palpate the ridge where the manubrium meets the sternal body, identify the second costal cartilage at that level, and then count ribs downward from this reference. The procedure links a palpable point with an internal anatomical map. It is useful for practicing thoracic orientation and for locating examination levels consistently.
During physical examination, the sternal angle helps clinicians establish a reproducible starting point for locating ribs and describing positions on the chest. Counting from the second costal cartilage can guide attention to specific thoracic levels. This shared landmark improves anatomical communication because observations can be related to a consistent surface reference rather than an imprecise visual estimate.
On thoracic imaging, the sternal angle offers an anatomical reference for matching visible internal structures with external levels. Its relationship to the T4–T5 region, the tracheal bifurcation, and major mediastinal structures helps orient the image and assess relative positions. The landmark is therefore valuable even when the structures themselves cannot be evaluated by palpation.