When does the sternum fuse together?

Have you ever wondered when that awkward bone in the middle of your chest finally decides to merge into one solid piece? Well, wonder no more my friends! In this rib-tickling article, we will explore the humerus process of sternum fusion. Get ready for a wild ride filled with scientific facts and enough humor to keep you chuckling through all six stages of development!

A Journey Through Embryonic Development

First Trimester – The Beginning Stages

Embarking on our journey into Sternum Fusion Land, let’s begin at the very start- embryonic development. During those first few weeks after conception, an embryo is made up of three basic layers; namely endoderm (innermost), mesoderm (middle), and ectoderm (outer). Around day 13 or so,(who’s counting?),segments within the mesoderm layer develop into thick bands called somites.

These little buddies are vital because they eventually give rise to various organs such as muscles and vertebrae needed for proper movement while enjoying some mic-drop moves. Moreover, each somite brings forth a dermatome (layer beneath skin)and sclerotome(makes bones)(check it out!).

During week five to six,(we’re going in fast!!!)the future superstar known as the sternum starts taking shape by joining groups of fused segments from different thoracic vertebral levels(BRING IT ON!). Starting from T4 through T8 , nine separate cartilage models form—seven bilateral sternal rudiments composed of 3 parts:

  • Manubrium
  • Body
  • Xiphoid Process

The last two remaining components arise just above T10 among ribs’ costal cartilages(fancy lingo coming along!).

Second Trimester – You’ve Got To Be Prepared!

By Week 13, the seven sternal rudiments begin vertically aligning with one another. They remain relatively separate from each other without any tissue connecting them for quite some time.

However,by week 18 to 19 (That’s over halfway through!!!), cells start fusing the cartilage components together by creating bony growths called ossification centers(better bathe in calcium folks!).

These roughly corresponded with lateral ends of every sternal segment & along their periphery except on top of the manubrium and xiphoid process.
Transversely beginning at mid-clavicle level thereby making osseous fusion medially and laterally.

Third Trimester – It All Comes Together

During this trimester,some massive changes take place- it’s like a drama mini-series(no spoilers ahead!). Backtracking slightly; up until now,the sternum has been made out of different pieces(how inconvenient,right).

But within a short period starting around weeks 28-34(my oh my!),all three parts=manubrium,body,xiphoid Process joins together via ossification centres (time to say ‘fusion complete!’)!(drumroll please).

Throughout gestation,these specific areas indeed will have plenty of bones present,longitudly bound in fusion(more lethal than Avengers Endgame!).

And thus we have reached our final chapter-{steady yourselves}- birth(woohoo!)(insert confetti here)!.

The Mystery Is Solved!!!

The progression into solidifying structures begins during embryological development lasts until delivery-wise{Yes,babies do not just grow inside an hour obviously} which entails’years,’ AND THAT’S IT!

We might as well be referring to humans nowadays as Giraffes if they enjoyed neck extensions that much(as sarcastic as it sounds!).

So there you have it folks,a detailed guide consisting strictly factual evidence &comical interjections on sternum joint fusion.

Hope you had a chuckle on this journey-of-discovery!!!!!

May your darlings never jump,rollerskate or use one hand to catch balls ever again with injury free bodies!!!


Live Long and Prosper


Random Posts