The xiphoid process is the lowermost part of the sternum.
The sternum is an integral part of the human thorax, forming the front wall of the thorax, and is located in the anterior part of the chest, right in the center of the body, and can be easily felt on the surface of the body. The sternum consists of three parts, the sternal body, the sternal styloid, and the sternal styloid. The sternocleidomastoid is the lowest part, which is located posteriorly and is usually difficult to reach. The intersection of the sternal body and sternal styloid is called the sternal angle, which is flat against the second rib and is an important surface landmark.
The xiphoid process serves to protect the heart from direct violent impact, and is located in front of the heart and can be slightly deformed to cushion the violence when it occurs. It is so named because the sternum as a whole takes on the shape of an inverted sword, and the raphe is at the very bottom of the sternum.