sternal

sternal /ster·nal/ (ster´n'l) of or relating to the sternum.

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ster·nal (stûrnl)

adj.

Of, relating to, or occurring near the sternum.

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sternal

[stur′nəl]

Etymology: Gk, sternon, chest

pertaining to the sternum.

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sternal [ster´nal]

pertaining to the sternum.

sternal puncture insertion of a hollow needle into the manubrium of the sternum to obtain a sample of bone marrow. The sternum is chosen because of its accessibility and because it is a thin, flat bone. The procedure must be done under surgical asepsis. The clinician anesthetizes the skin and periosteum with a local anesthetic before introducing the sternal needle. The needle is designed with a special guard to prevent penetration beyond the desired depth. When cells are being aspirated into the syringe the patient may experience a sharp pain; otherwise the procedure should not be painful. Samples are examined for abnormal cells, for the proportion of cells in various stages of development, and for the characteristics of the blood cells that predominate. This information is used in conjunction with clinical findings and other tests in diagnosis of blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and anemia.

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sternal

pertaining to the sternum.

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sternal puncture

insertion of a hollow needle into the manubrium of the sternum for the purpose of obtaining a sample of bone marrow. The sternum is chosen because of its accessibility and because it is a flat bone in many species.

sternal recumbency

the animal lies down on its ventral thoracic and abdominal walls, usually with the legs tucked underneath the body; the sagittal plane is vertical and the head is in a vertical plane. Called also dorsal recumbency.