There is cartilage in the chest

We all know that our sternum is a relatively flat bone. Inside the chest cavity protected by the sternum are some of the internal organs we often talk about. Although everyone knows the sternum, the bone below the sternum called the xiphoid process is still relatively unfamiliar. The xiphoid process is a piece of cartilage, and its main function is to protect the heart. If the xiphoid process is impacted by external force, pain will occur.

The presence of cartilage in the chest may be a condition of the xiphoid process, not an abnormal proliferation. If you are worried, you can go to the surgery or gastroenterology department of the hospital for a check-up, and treat the symptoms based on the results of the examination. Develop good living habits and eating habits, do not eat spicy and greasy food, quit smoking and drinking, get enough rest, keep a good mood, and avoid fatigue and anger.

What is the xiphoid process of the sternum?

The sternum is a flat bone located in the middle of the chest. The upper part of the sternum is wider and is called the manubrium. The middle part of the sternum is rectangular and is called the body of the sternum. The lower end of the sternum is a thin bone of irregular shape called the xiphoid process. The xiphoid process is located at the lower end of the sternal body. The upper end is connected to the sternal body, and the lower end is free, approximately level with the ninth thoracic vertebra. The sternum looks like a sword pointing downward, and the xiphoid process is the lowest part of the sternum.

Physiological role of the xiphoid process

Xiphoid process, there is a xiphoid cartilage at the lower front end of the chest wall in the heart area, which plays a role in protecting the heart. If this place is hit violently, the heart will be strongly shaken, causing the xiphoid cartilage to directly press on the heart. It can also directly stimulate the central nervous system above the stomach, causing people to immediately feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, or due to the fracture of the xiphoid cartilage, the cartilage stump can easily pierce the heart.

What is the pain under the xiphoid process?

1. Xiphoid process. There is a xiphoid cartilage at the lower front end of the chest wall in the heart area, which plays a role in protecting the heart. If this place is hit violently, the heart will be strongly shaken, causing the xiphoid cartilage to directly press on the heart. It can also directly stimulate the central nervous system above the stomach, causing people to immediately feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, or due to xiphoid cartilage fractures, the cartilage stumps can easily pierce the heart. It may also be chronic superficial gastritis.

2. The pain under the xiphoid process, which is generally referred to as the pit of the stomach, may be a cardiovascular problem or a digestive tract problem. Generally, cardiovascular pain is often accompanied by palpitations, chest tightness, and precordial pain. Digestive system problems are often accompanied by heartburn, heartburn, etc., which need to be differentiated.