OF THE STERNUM 



213 



The anterior chondro-sternal ligament (fig. 217) is a triangular band of 

 strong fibres which cover the inner half-inch of the front of the costal cartilage, 

 and radiate upwards and downwards upon the front of the sternum. 8onie of the 

 fibres decussate across the middle line with fibres of the opposite ligament. At its 

 upper and lower borders it is in contact with'the superior and inferior ligaments 

 respectively. 



Fig. 217. — The Sternuji. 

 (Left side, showing ligaments ; right side, the synovial cavities.) 



An interartieular 

 ligament 



The plate of flbro- 

 eartilage between 

 manubrium and 

 meso-steruum 



FOURTH RIB "*^^S^'' 



Interchoudral 

 capsular ligament 



The posterior chondro-sternal ligament consists of little more than a thick- 

 ening of the fibrous envelopes of the bone and cartilage, the jciint being completed 

 l)ehind l)y a continuity of pericliondrium with periosteum. 



The superior and inferior ligaments are strong, well-marked bands, which 

 pass from the up])er and lower borders resj^ectively of the costal cartilage to 

 the lateral edges of the sternum. The sixth and seventh cartilages are so close 



