- Suprasternal notch
Infobox Bone
Name = Suprasternal notch
Latin = fossa jugularis sterni
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Caption = Suprasternal notch
Caption2 = Anterolateral view of head and neck. (Jugular notch labeled at bottom center.)
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The suprasternal notch (fossa jugularis sternalis), also known as thejugular notch, is part ofhuman anatomy . It is the large, visible dip where theclavicles join thesternum .Anatomical location
The suprasternal notch is found at the superior border of the manubrium of the sternum, between the clavicular notches.
Evaluative tests using the suprasternal notch
Intrathoracic pressure is measured by using atransducer held in such a way over the body that anactuator engages the soft tissue that is located above the suprasternal notch.Arcot J. Chandrasekhar, MD, FRCP, FACP, FCCP of Loyola University,
Chicago , is the author of an evaluative test for theaorta using the suprasternal notch. [LoyolaMedEd|MEDICINE/PULMONAR/PD/pstep37a.htm - Evaluative tests using the suprasternal notch] The test can help to recognise the following conditions:*
Aneurysm
* Dissecting aneurysm
*Atherosclerosis
*Hypertension To carry out this test it is necessary to place an index finger or middle finger on the notch and palpate it. In a young normal person there should be no palpable pulse. A prominent pulse may be indicative of an uncoiled aorta,arch aneurysm, or a tortuous blood vessel. The most likely cause of a suprasternal pulse in an adult is an aortic arch aneurysm, while the most likely cause in a child is coarctation of the aorta.
As a zone of eroticism
The suprasternal notch or well is seen as a point of attraction by many men and women.
The suprasternal notch can be highlighted subtly by wearing pendants or necklaces which rest in that area, to draw focus to a part of the body that can be considered an erotic or sensual zone. In this way, exhibiting the notch is more understated in exhibiting sensuality than the usual areas (legs, chest, hips etc.) and is considered an
erogenous zone .The suprasternal notch features in
The English Patient as an erogenous zone.References
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