asternal

/əs'tə:nəl/

Thân thiện

The frog has asternal ribs that are not attached to its breastbone.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not connected to the sternum or breastbone: In anatomy, this term describes a structure, typically a rib, that is not attached to the sternum.
   • Lacking a sternum: In zoology, it can describe an organism or anatomical structure that does not possess a sternum.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • In humans, the last two pairs of ribs are asternal ribs, also known as floating ribs.
  • The biologist noted that the specimen was asternal, which was unusual for its class.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Anatomical Context: The term is almost exclusively used in specialized scientific fields like human anatomy, comparative anatomy, and zoology.
  • The asternal condition of the ribs allows for greater flexibility in the lower thoracic region.

Variants and Related Words

• Sternal (adj): Of or relating to the sternum. (This is the direct antonym).
• Asternia (n): A congenital absence of the sternum.

Synonyms

• Non-sternal: Not of or relating to the sternum.
• Unattached to the sternum: A descriptive phrase with the same meaning in an anatomical context.

Antonyms

• Sternal: Connected to or associated with the sternum.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not connected to the sternum or breastbone
   • asternal ribs