AIIMS PG Entrance May 2015 – MCQ 21 – Ossification of sternum

Lower two ossification centres of body of sternum are fused by age of?
A. 8 years
B. 10 years
C. 12 years
D. 14 years

Correct answer : D. 14 years

Ossification centres of the sternum

  • Sternum ossifies from 5 primary centres (1 for manubrium and 4 for the body) and 1 secondary centre (for the xiphoid process).
  • The various parts of the body of the sternum fuse with each other from below upwards – 14 to 25 years.
  • Xiphoid fuses with the body – 40 years.
  • Manubrium fuses with the body – 60 years.