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Glite Dictionary
suprasternal

suprasternal

1 9.8
The area above the top of the breastbone near the notch
  • adjective
  • /ˌsuːprəˈstɜrnəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : suprasternal
  • During the examination, the doctor pointed to the suprasternal area to explain the procedure.
  • suprasternal notch

Examples

  • Other findings may include subcutaneous emphysema in the suprasternal and supraclavicular areas and a decrease in cardiac dullness to percussion.

    Academic text (2006)

  • The suprasternal notch is an important landmark in anatomy and is located just above the sternum.

  • Six positive lymph nodes were recovered from the suprasternal and superior mediastinum.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Another cystic nodule was seen posterior to the trachea at the right suprasternal notch.

    Academic text (2002)

  • From January 2000 through December 2003, the lead author (L.S.) operated on 21 patients with mediastinal goiter (a goiter is considered mediastinal if at least half of the thyroid mass is inferior to the suprasternal notch).

    Academic text (2006)

  • The suprasternal region is often assessed when examining the thoracic cavity.

How Low

inframammary
  • Specialized
8.9
mammary
  • Specialized
1 7.0
suprasternal
  • Specialized
1 9.8

Surface Forms

suprasternal positive

Morphology

suprasternal = sternal (semi-transparent) = supra + sternum + al

Formed by the prefix 'supra-' (above) attached to 'sternal' (relating to the sternum); the meaning 'above the sternum' is compositionally clear but uses medical/Latin-derived elements that are somewhat specialized.

Etymology

The word suprasternal combines supra- meaning 'above' and sternal, from sternum meaning 'breastbone'. So suprasternal describes the area or small notch 'above the breastbone', like the dip at the top of the chest that doctors check.