Sternum

( 흉골 hyung-gol )

Difficulty Level: Intermediate Level Surface: Offensive Target

The sternum or breastbone ( 흉골 hyung-gol ) is a long flat bone located in the central part of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury. Shaped roughly like a necktie, it is one of the largest and longest flat bones of the body. Its three regions are the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. Some studies reveal that repeated punches or continual beatings, sometimes called 'breastbone punches', to the sternum area have also caused fractured sternums.

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In its natural position, the sternum is angled obliquely, downward and forward. It is slightly convex in front and concave behind; broad above, shaped like a 'T', becoming narrowed at the point where the manubrium joins the body, after which it again widens a little to below the middle of the body, and then narrows to its lower extremity. In adults the sternum is on average about 17 cm, longer in the male than in the female.

Manubrium

The manubrium is the broad upper part of the sternum. It has a quadrangular shape, narrowing from the top, which gives it four borders. The suprasternal notch is located in the middle at the upper broadest part of the manubrium.

Body

The body, or gladiolus, is the longest part. It is flat and considered to have only a front and back surface. It is flat on the front, directed upward and forward, and marked by three transverse ridges which cross the bone opposite the third, fourth, and fifth articular depressions. The pectoralis major attaches to it on either side. At the junction of the third and fourth parts of the body is occasionally seen an orifice, the sternal foramen, of varying size and form. The posterior surface, slightly concave, is also marked by three transverse lines, less distinct, however, than those in front; from its lower part, on either side, the transversus thoracis takes origin.

Xiphoid process

Located at the inferior end of the sternum is the pointed xiphoid process. Improperly performed chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation can cause the xiphoid process to snap off, driving it into the liver which can cause a fatal hemorrhage. The sternum is composed of highly vascular tissue, covered by a thin layer of compact bone which is thickest in the manubrium between the articular facets for the clavicles. The inferior sternopericardial ligament attaches the pericardium to the posterior xiphoid process.

* Please see a certified Master Instructor ( 사범님 sabeomnim ) for training. Proper guidance and instructions are needed to ensure safe training.

Impact Surface Area

Surface Area Injuries

Collisions with the ground, objects, and other taekwondo practitioners are common, and unexpected dynamic forces on limbs and joints can cause injury. Taekwondo injuries can also occur in techniques if done improperly or from overuse of a particular body part. Taking a break from training or reducing the volume and the intensity of the training will allow the body to recover. For more information on Injuries »

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Sternum ( 흉골 hyung-gol )

Quiz

Question. What is the korean terminology for Single Knife Hand Outward Block?

The Single Knife Hand Outward Block is an intermediate blocking technique. The hand is kept in a knife hand posture to block ( 막기 makgi ) attacks to the torso. As the front arm sweeps across in an arc from the inside to the outside of the body, the back hand is simultaneously pulled back to the back hip and ready for a counter-attack such as a punch ( 지르기 jireugi ) to the opponent.

Question. What is the korean terminology for Back Stance?

Back stance is specifically focused on shifting weight to the back leg, as it offers much more control, and makes it easier to kick off the front leg. To perform this stance, the body faces to the side, with the front foot facing forward and the front leg bent. The back leg is bent slightly and the foot is turned outwards perpendicular to the front foot making the letter "L" for this stance.

Question. What is the korean terminology for Palm Heel Pressing Block?

Palm Heel Pressing Block is a standard block ( 막기 makgi ) used to deflect incoming kicks ( 차기 chagi ) and punches ( 지르기 jireugi ). Open the hand ( 손 son ) and use the 'bottom of the palm' or ‘palm heel’ to block the trunk area. The open hand is raised up to shoulder height and thrust directly down to meet the attackers hand or limb.

Impact Surface Area

Various surfaces of the hand and feet may be engaged as the striking or blocking surface depending on which area of the opponents body is being targeted. This leads to a large array of hand and feet positions. The human body's shape is determined by a strong skeleton made of bone and cartilage, surrounded by fat, muscle, connective tissue, organs, and other structures. For more information View Impact Surface Area »