Final answer:
The brachiocephalic trunk is the vessel that crosses anterior to the sternum in a diagonal path from left to right.
Step-by-step explanation:
The blood vessel that crosses anterior to the sternum in a rising diagonal from left side to right side is the brachiocephalic trunk. This vessel is the first branch of the aortic arch and travels across the upper chest to supply blood to the right arm, the head, and the neck by dividing into the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries. The brachiocephalic trunk is unique in its crossing path and position.