Suprasternal notch

The suprasternal notch is a visible dip at the bottom of the front of the neck, between the clavicles, and above the manubrium of the sternum. It is at the level of the T2 and T3 vertebrae. The trachea lies just behind it, rising about 5 cm above it in adults. ==Clinical significance==

Intrathoracic pressure is measured by using a transducer held in such a way over the body that an actuator engages the soft tissue that is located above the suprasternal notch. Arcot J. Chandrasekhar, MD of Loyola University, Chicago, is the author of an evaluative test for the aorta using the suprasternal notch. The test can help recognize the following conditions: • Aneurysm • Dissecting aneurysm • Atherosclerosis • Hypertension To carry out this test, it is necessary to place an index finger or middle finger on the notch and palpate it. A prominent pulse may be indicative of an uncoiled aorta, an arch aneurysm, or a tortuous blood vessel. The supersternal notch is being investigated as a site for placing wearable technology for monitoring swallowing, respiration, cardiac activity, vocal-fold vibrations and other body activities. ==References==