How to Pronounce Sternal Body
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Sternal Body Pronunciation
STER-nal BOD-ee
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
STER
stress here
nal BOD
ee
3 syllables
What is Sternal Body?
The long middle portion of the sternum (breastbone), also called the gladiolus (sword body). It articulates with the costal cartilages of ribs 2–7 along its sides and joins the manubrium above and xiphoid process below.
Questions About Sternal Body
How do you pronounce 'sternal body'?
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Say it like this: STER-nal BOD-ee. The first word rhymes with 'fern,' and the second word rhymes with 'body' in English. The stress falls on the first syllable of each word: STER (louder) and BOD (louder).
What does 'sternal' mean?
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'Sternal' comes from the Latin word 'sternum,' which means breastbone. So 'sternal' is just the adjective form that means 'related to the breastbone.' Anytime you see 'sternal,' think 'breastbone.'
What does 'body' mean in the term 'sternal body'?
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In anatomy, 'body' doesn't mean the whole person—it means the main or central part of a bone or organ. So the sternal body is the main central part of the breastbone, not its top or bottom ends.
What is another name for the sternal body?
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The sternal body is also called the 'gladiolus' (say: gla-dee-OH-lus), which is a Latin word meaning 'sword.' This name makes sense because the middle part of the breastbone is long and blade-like, just like a sword.
How do you break 'sternal body' into syllables?
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Break it like this: STER-nal BOD-y. 'Sternal' has two syllables, and 'body' also has two syllables, for four syllables total. The stress falls on the first syllable of each word.
What is a common mispronunciation of 'sternal body'?
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People sometimes say 'STERN-al' with stress on the wrong syllable, but the correct way is 'STER-nal' with the stress on the first syllable. Also avoid pronouncing the 'l' softly or dropping it—make sure to say STER-nal clearly.
Can you use 'sternal body' in a sentence?
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Sure! Here's an example: 'The radiologist identified a fracture in the sternal body on the X-ray.' This sentence shows how the term is used in a medical context to describe a specific part of the breastbone.
What other medical words share the root 'sternal'?
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Other sternal words include 'sternocleidomastoid' (a neck muscle), 'sternohyoid' (another neck muscle), and 'costochondral' (relating to ribs and cartilage near the sternum). They all contain 'stern-' because they relate to the breastbone.