This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Sternal pleural reflection

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The sternal pleural reflection is the junction of costal pleura and anterior margin of mediastinal pleura:

  • on the right, sequentially from:
    • lung apex to
    • deep surface of sternoclavicular joint to
    • inner surface of sternum at level of sternal angle to
    • right posterolateral margin of xiphisternum
  • on the left, sequentially from:
    • lung apex to
    • deep surface of sternoclavicular joint to
    • inner surface of sternum at level of fourth costal cartilage, then passing laterally to
    • posterior surface of fourth intercostal space then inferiorly to
    • posterior margin of sixth costal cartilage

Hence, the left sternal reflection is displaced laterally by the cardiac margin; this length of the reflection is termed the cardiac notch.


Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.