What does "Xiphoid" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
Xiphoid refers to a small part of the human body located at the lower end of the sternum, which is the long flat bone in the middle of the chest. It's also known as the xiphoid process. It's shaped like a sword tip, which is where it gets its name, as 'xiphoid' comes from the Greek words for 'sword-like'. It's not easily felt in most people, but it plays a crucial role in helping doctors locate other structures in the chest during a physical examination.
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