American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What is the sternal notch or angle related to?

1. The back of the head at T1

2. The junction of the sternum and clavicle

3. The area below the ribs

4. The base of the skull

The correct answer is: The junction of the sternum and clavicle

The sternal notch, also known as the jugular notch, is an anatomical feature located at the superior border of the sternum where the clavicles meet the sternum. This notch serves as a landmark for medical examinations and procedures, particularly in assessing the position of organs, The positioning of the sternal notch is critical because it can provide insight into potential health issues. Its relation to the clavicle is significant in clinical contexts, where it helps in identifying structures within the thoracic cavity, especially during physical examinations. This anatomical landmark is also important for various medical interventions, such as central venous catheterization, where precise insertion points are vital for patient safety. The other options describe anatomical locations that do not directly correlate to the features defined by the sternal notch. For instance, T1 is related to the upper vertebral column, areas below the ribs relate more to abdominal anatomy, and the base of the skull pertains to cranial structures, demonstrating that only the junction of the sternum and clavicle accurately corresponds to the sternal notch.