fractured breastbone
The fractured breastbone, also known as a sternum fracture, is a break in the long, flat bone located in the center of the chest. The sternum serves several main functions, including protecting vital organs like the heart and major blood vessels, serving as an anchor for the rib cage, and providing attachment points for various muscles. Technological features of the sternum are evident in its structure, being composed of compact bone that can withstand significant force. Applications of understanding the fractured breastbone are vast within medical and forensic fields, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and in determining causes of death.