In forensic medicine, what is important about the sternum measurement?

The measurement of the sternum is particularly significant in estimating age. In forensic medicine, the sternum undergoes various changes throughout an individual's life, influenced by factors such as growth, development, and aging.

As a person ages, the cartilaginous areas of the sternum can ossify, and certain characteristics like the shape, size, and maturation of the manubrium and body can be correlated with specific age ranges. This ossification process can provide forensic experts with valuable data when determining the age of skeletal remains, especially in situations where the identity of the deceased is unknown.

In contrast, other choices do not have a primary correlation with sternum measurements. While factors like muscle mass, height, and gender can be assessed through different skeletal measurements or indicators, the sternum itself is most closely associated with age estimation due to these identifiable physiological changes over time.