Xiphoid process
| Xiphoid process | |
|---|---|
Position of the xiphoid process (shown in red) | |
Posterior surface of sternum. (Xiphoid process labeled at bottom.) | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | processus xiphoideus |
| MeSH | D014989 |
| TA98 | A02.3.03.007 |
| TA2 | 1135 |
| FMA | 7488 |
| Anatomical terms of bone | |
The xiphoid process (/ˈzɪfɔɪd/), also referred to as the ensiform process, xiphisternum, or metasternum, constitutes a small cartilaginous process (extension) located in the inferior segment of the sternum, typically ossified in adult humans. Both the Greek-derived term xiphoid and its Latin equivalent, ensiform, connote a "swordlike" or "sword-shaped" morphology.