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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/1740.htm

Sternum - view of the outside (anterior)

Sternum - view of the outside (anterior)

Overview

During a sternal tap, a thin needle is inserted into the sternum (shown here) to withdraw bone marrow.

Review Date 4/29/2022

Updated by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.