Bony landmark · Chest
Xiphoid process
Processus xiphoideus
Reviewed by Dr. Ryan Rietz, D.P.T. and Dr. John Breyman, D.C.
The xiphoid process is the small pointed tip at the bottom of the breastbone; it stays cartilage well into adult life before it hardens. It is a meeting point of the front of the body: the upper fibres of the rectus abdominis attach to it, the linea alba runs down from it, and part of the diaphragm arises from its back surface — so the breathing muscle and the abdominal wall hand over to each other right here.
Also known as
- xiphoid
- tip of the breastbone