How to Pronounce Suprasternal Retractions

Say it like this: soo-prah-STER-nul reh-TRAK-shunz. The stress falls on the second word's first syllable—STER in suprasternal, and the first syllable in retractions—TRAK. Think of 'supra' (meaning above) + 'sternal' (relating to the breastbone), then 're' (again) + 'tractions' (pulling back).

'Suprasternal' means the area directly above the breastbone. 'Supra' is a Latin prefix meaning 'above,' and 'sternal' refers to the sternum, which is the flat bone in the middle of your chest. So suprasternal literally means 'above the sternum.'

It breaks down like this: su-prah-STER-nul reh-TRAK-shunz. The whole phrase has seven syllables total, with the heaviest stress falling on STER in suprasternal and TRAK in retractions.

'Retractions' comes from the Latin word meaning 'to pull back' or 'draw in.' In this term, it describes a pulling-in or indrawing of the skin and tissue. It's the same 'retract' you see in words like 'retractable' (something that pulls back into itself).

People often put the stress on the wrong syllable—they'll say su-PRAH-ster-nul instead of su-prah-STER-nul. Remember: the stress goes on STER, not on the 'prah' before it. Another common slip is rushing the 'suprasternal' part and not pronouncing it clearly enough.

It means the tissue just above your breastbone is being pulled inward. If you watched someone's chest during breathing and saw the skin sinking in above the center of their chest, you'd be seeing suprasternal retractions. It's a visible pulling-in of that area.

Yes! Other medical terms using 'sternal' include 'substernal' (below the breastbone) and 'sternal' (relating to the breastbone itself). You'll also see 'sternocleidomastoid,' which is a neck muscle that includes the 'sternal' root. These all refer back to the sternum, your breastbone.

You might hear a healthcare provider say: 'The patient showed suprasternal retractions during the examination.' Or: 'We observed suprasternal retractions as the patient took each breath.' The term is used to describe what medical professionals observe and document.