Anatomy def: A flat compound (three fused parts) bone in the ventral midline of the thorax; it articulates with ribs and clavicles. Also called the breastbone.
Outlander def: a delightful midline bone making a wonderful pillow between pectoralis major muscles.
Learn about the sternum and its three parts (manubrium, gladiolus, xiphoid process) in Anatomy Lesson #15: Crouching Grants – Hidden Dagger.
Read about the breastbone (sternum) in Outlander book where Rupert teaches Claire how to kill with a sgian dubh:
“Now, here,” he said, pointing to the center, just under the breastbone, “is the spot to aim for, if ye’re killin’ face to face. Aim straight up and in, as hard as ye can. That’ll go into the heart, and it kills wi’in a minute or two. The only problem is to avoid the breastbone; it goes down lower than ye think, and if ye get yer knife stuck in that soft bit on the tip, it will hardly harm yer victim at all, but ye’ll be wi’out a knife, and he’ll ha’ you.
Watch Professor Angus teach Claire how to kill an opponent by stabbing a sgian dubh under the ribs and to the side of the breastbone in Starz, episode 108, Both Sides Now. See Jamie’s breastbone in Starz episode 109, The Reckoning…and weel, pretty much every other episode, too! He does manage to frequently oblige us with views of his sternum! We are verra grateful and just in time for Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate this holiday…gobble gobble!
A deeply grateful,
Outlander Anatomist
