asternal

9.9

Bones or ribs that do not attach directly to the breastbone

adjective
/æˈstɜrnəl/

Specialized

: asternal

Some animals have asternal ribs that do not attach directly to the breastbone.

Examples

The asternal region can be found between the ends of the ribs and the sternum.
In anatomy class, we discussed how certain mammals possess asternal costal cartilage.
The asternal ribs are important for understanding rib anatomy.
In humans, the asternal ribs do not attach to the sternum.
In humans, the asternal ribs do not attach to the sternum.
Some animals have asternal ribs that do not attach directly to the breastbone.
During our dissection, we observed the asternal costal cartilage in the specimen.

Surface Forms

asternal positive

Morphology

asternal = sternum (semi-transparent) = a + stern + al

For learners who know 'stern(al)', the prefix 'a-' can signal absence, but this is a specialized scientific pattern rather than a common everyday one.

Etymology

Asternal comes from the first part a- meaning 'not' and sternum, the medical name for the 'breastbone'. So asternal means 'not attached to the breastbone', which is why we use it for ribs or bones that do not connect to the sternum.