Which term names the sternal articular surface?

• A. Intervertebral disc
• B. Sternal articular surface
• C. Glenoid fossa
• D. Acromial surface

Answer: (B)

The surface naming here relies on identifying the exact joint surface on a bone. The sternal articular surface is the specific smooth area on the sternum that forms part of a joint, namely where the sternum articulates with another bone (the clavicle) at the sternoclavicular region. When a surface has its own named term, it’s because that facet has a distinct, recognizable location and role in articulation.

The other terms refer to different anatomical structures: an intervertebral disc sits between two vertebrae, the glenoid fossa is the shoulder socket on the scapula for the humerus, and the acromial surface denotes a surface related to the acromion region of the shoulder girdle. These do not name the sternum’s joint surface, so the correct term for the sternal articular surface is simply sternal articular surface.