I have noticed something, and i am unsure if this is normal..
I have a "tail" type bone coming off of the bottom of my sternum... it isn't part of my sternum, as it is quite definitely a different bone (joining onto the sternum)... It is about an inch long....
I have looked at websites of the chest bone anatomy, and i have seen that there is a little bone coming off of the sternum, but there's no way it's as long as a mine!
I am worried i am going to grow gills next (just kidding!!)...
Please advise me on my dilemma...!
2007-03-12 11:51:09 · 6 answers · asked by lil_els2000 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Nothing to worry about. It's the xyphoid process. It comes in quite a variety of forms.
2007-03-12 16:31:05 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Zaius 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The xiphoid process is a small cartilaginous extension to the lower part of the sternum which is usually ossified in the adult human. By age 15 to 29, the xiphoid usually fuses to the body of the sternum with a fibrous joint. Unlike the synovial articulation of major joints, this is non movable. Much the way the first seven ribs articulate with the sternum, the cartilage in the solar plexus joins on the xiphoid process, reinforcing it, and indirectly attaches the costal cartilage to the sternum.
The xiphoid process can be bifurcated, and sometimes perforated, naturally. These variances in morphology are inheritable, which can help group family members together when dealing with burial remains. These morphological differences pose no health risk, and are simply a difference in form.
Pressure on the xiphoid process should be avoided when administering chest compressions in CPR, as this can cause the xiphoid process to break off and be driven into the heart lining and muscle, resulting in punctures or lacerations of the heart muscle.
In birds, the xiphoid process is a long structure, often following the direction of the carina.
The word derives from the Greek word xiphos for straight sword, the tip of which the process somewhat resembles.
2007-03-12 19:00:00 · answer #2 · answered by Arsan Lupin 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no ones going to divorce/dump you for having a bit of a tail.
lots of bones are more prominent, the more thinner you are so yeah that could be it.
2007-03-12 18:59:35 · answer #3 · answered by Sarah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are just fine! That is called your zyphoid process, and yours just happens to be a little longer than an average person's. No worries!
2007-03-12 18:55:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
its called the Xiphoid process and all humans have one. the thinner you are the more it shows
2007-03-12 18:57:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ewe, u freak! next thing ya know yer gonna find yerself tarred n feathered with a big red letter sewn on ya!
lol...jk, no yer not a freak of nature! just different!
2007-03-12 18:55:12 · answer #6 · answered by monchicha 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋