What is the main purpose of the xiphoid process

Is the xiphoid process important?

The xiphoid process functions as a vital attachment point for several major muscles. It acts as one of several origins for the diaphragm muscle that forms the floor of the ribcage and performs the vital process of respiration.

What does the xiphoid process protect?

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.

What happens if you break your xiphoid process?

Damage to the xiphoid process itself is not severe. However, if the xiphoid process breaks or fractures, it is possible for bone fragments to cause damage surrounding vital organs. For example, it is possible for a bone fragment to puncture the lungs, which can be life-threatening.

Is it possible to not have a xiphoid process?

We observed a type of isolated sternal defect to our knowledge not previously reported in literature, an abnormal development of the sternum in which a dysmorphic manubrium, a hypoplastic body, and the complete absence of the xiphoid process were identified, in an asymptomatic adolescent female without inner organs …

Can xiphoid process affect breathing?

If the xiphoid process pulls inward during inhalation, it is called a reversed diaphragmatic action. This can be caused by a newborn’s first breath being a gasp-like action, and can be seen in a newborn whose breathing is strained.

Why does my xiphoid process pop?

Calcification of the cartilage associated with the sternum is an accumulation of calcium deposits in that area. The calcified calcium can result in small shards that wear away at the joints, breaking down cartilage. This wearing down of the cartilage can cause the popping sound you may be hearing.

What organ is behind xiphoid process?

Acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus, and since the esophagus is located behind the breastbone, xiphoid process pain can develop along with reflux symptoms.

What doctor treats xiphoid process?

Dr.Yurvati, chair of surgery at the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSH/TCOM), has become an expert in identifying the xiphoid process, a cartilage structure at the tip of the breastbone, as the source of mysterious pain for many patients.

What is Tietze’s syndrome?

General Discussion. Tietze syndrome is a rare, inflammatory disorder characterized by chest pain and swelling of the cartilage of one or more of the upper ribs (costochondral junction), specifically where the ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum).

Why does the bottom of my sternum hurt?

Sternum pain is usually caused by problems with the muscles and bones near the sternum and not the sternum itself. Pain felt just behind or below the sternum is called substernal pain and is sometimes caused by gastrointestinal problems. Some of the most common causes of sternum and substernal pain are: costochondritis.

Why do I keep getting costochondritis?

Causes of costochondritis

severe coughing, which strains your chest area. an injury to your chest. physical strain from repeated exercise or sudden exertion you’re not used to, such as moving furniture. an infection, including respiratory tract infections and wound infections.

What is Pleurodynia mean?

Pleurodynia (formerly called Bornholm disease) is a form of viral myalgia defined by the sudden occurrence of lancinating chest pain or abdominal pain, commonly associated with fever, malaise, and headaches.

What is lupus chest pain like?

The most common way that lupus can affect your lungs is through inflammation of the pleura, the lining that covers the outside of the lungs. The symptom of pleuritis that you may experience is severe, often sharp, stabbing pain in a specific area or areas of your chest.

Can slipping ribs come and go?

Symptoms include: Severe pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen. The pain may come and go and get better with time. A popping, clicking, or slipping sensation.

What is Devils grasp?

Medical Definition of devil’s-grip

1 : a malformation of sheep that consists of an indentation near the withers and down behind the shoulder as if a string had been put round that part of the sheep and tightened. 2 : epidemic pleurodynia.

What is the difference between pleurisy and Pleurodynia?

When pleurisy is caused by a bacterial lung infection, it can be associated with a pus-filled pleural effusion (called an empyema). Viral lung infections, especially epidemic pleurodynia (an infection usually caused by coxsackieviruses or echoviruses), also can cause pleurisy.

What are the symptoms of devil’s grip?

Symptoms of pleurodynia often include the sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain or abdominal pain. Pleuritic chest pain refers to pain in the chest that is often sharp and worsens with a deep breath or with movement.

How do you play the devil’s grip card with pictures?

Do adults get Coxsackie virus?

Although people of any age, including adults, can get infected, the majority of patients with coxsackievirus infection are young children.

Why was the flu called the Grip?

Today it’s more commonly called the flu, short for influenza. English speakers called it the grippe in the eighteenth century, from the French grippe, which means “influenza,” but also “seizure,” from gripper, “grasp or hook.”