Which bone forms the front of the human chest from the neck to the stomach?

• A. Sternum
• B. Ribs
• C. Clavicle
• D. Pelvis

Answer: (A)

The front of the chest is formed by a single flat bone that sits along the midline of the thorax—the sternum, or breastbone. It runs from the neck downward and forms the anterior wall of the rib cage. Ribs surround the chest but are individual bones; they attach to the sternum via cartilage, giving the chest its protective cage around the heart and lungs. The sternum itself has three parts—the upper manubrium, the central body, and the lower xiphoid process—and it connects to the clavicles at the sternoclavicular joints, anchoring the front of the chest in place. The pelvis is in the lower trunk, and the clavicle is the collarbone at the top, so neither forms the front of the chest like the sternum does.