Editing Xiphoid process (section)

==Structure==
The xiphoid process is anatomically situated at the level of the 9th [[thoracic vertebra]] (T9) and corresponds to the T7 [[Dermatome (anatomy)|dermatome]].

===Development===
In neonates and young infants, particularly smaller infants, the tip of the xiphoid process may be seen as a palpable lump situated just below the sternal notch. Between the ages of 15 and 29, the xiphoid process typically undergoes fusion with the body of the sternum through a [[fibrous joint]]. Unlike the [[synovial joint|synovial articulation]] of major joints, this joint does not permit movement. Ossification of the xiphoid process typically occurs around the age of 40.<ref name="Moore Clinically Oriented Anatomy">{{cite book|last1=Moore|first1=Keith L.|title=Moore Clinically Oriented Anatomy|date=13 February 2013|publisher=LWW|isbn=9781451119459|page=84|edition=7}}</ref>

===Variation===
The xiphoid process may exhibit natural [[wikt:bifurcation|bifurcation]] or, in some instances, perforation (referred to as a xiphoidal foramen).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Yekeler |first1=Ensar |last2=Tunaci |first2=Mehtap |last3=Tunaci |first3=Atadan |last4=Dursun |first4=Memduh |last5=Acunas |first5=Gulden |date=2006 |title=Frequency of Sternal Variations and Anomalies Evaluated by MDCT |url=http://www.ajronline.org/doi/10.2214/AJR.04.1779 |journal=American Journal of Roentgenology |language=en |volume=186 |issue=4 |pages=956–960 |doi=10.2214/AJR.04.1779 |pmid=16554563 |issn=0361-803X|url-access=subscription }}</ref> These morphological variations are [[Heredity|hereditary]],{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} which can facilitate the categorization of family members when addressing burial remains. These morphological differences carry no health implications; they simply represent variances in form.

===Other animals===
In birds, the xiphoid process is an elongated structure, often following the direction of the [[Keel (bird anatomy)|keel]].