What kind of joint is xipsternal joint?
The xiphisternal joint (also called the xiphisternal synchondrosis) is a primary cartilaginous joint (synchondrosis) - a fibrocartilaginous/hyaline cartilage union between the xiphoid process and the body of the sternum.
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The textbook confirms everything clearly. Here is the complete answer:
Xiphisternal Joint
The xiphisternal joint (also spelled xiphisternal joint) is a symphysis - a type of secondary cartilaginous joint.
Key facts from Gray's Anatomy for Students:
- It is the joint between the body of the sternum and the xiphoid process
- It is classified as a symphysis (secondary cartilaginous joint), along with the manubriosternal joint
- Only slight angular movements occur at this joint
- With advancing age, it commonly becomes ossified (converts to bone), effectively fusing the xiphoid to the sternal body
Joint type hierarchy:
- Class: Cartilaginous joint
- Subtype: Symphysis (fibrocartilage-united)
Gray's Anatomy for Students, p. 185 - showing the xiphisternal joint as a symphysis
Clinically, the xiphisternal joint serves as a surface landmark - it lies at the level of the T9 vertebra and marks the inferior end of the sternal body. It is also a reference point used in clinical surgery (e.g., epigastric pain from duodenal ulcers is described as occurring "a hand's breadth below the xiphisternal joint").
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