Suprasternal notch


The suprasternal notch, also known as the fossa jugularis sternalis, or jugular notch, or “neck dent” is a large, visible dip in between the neck in humans, between the clavicles, and above the manubrium of the sternum.

Clinical significance

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:
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, arch aneurysm, or a tortuous blood vessel.