Bilateral sternales in relation to body of sternum.

ABSTRACT

The sternalis muscle on the manubrium sterni and its communication with sternocleidomastoid has been reported by many workers as unilateral or bilateral in both the sexes. The present report deals with bilateral sternales below the angle of sternum in a male cadaver during routine dissection. The proximal attachment of the muscle was from the manubriosternal joint on either side, right being broader than left and was found to be overlapping the lateral part of sternum and adjoining pectoralis major muscle. The muscle was running downwards and laterally and was attached on the cartilage of 6th and 7th ribs appearing to be continuous with rectus abdominis muscle. The muscle was found to be innervated by branches of the corresponding intercostal nerves of these spaces. The sternalis if present could be used for reconstructive surgical operations on the breast.