Question

The xiphoid process is made of cartilage during infancy and youth and is not totally ossified until:

a) 5 years of age
b) 12 years of age
c) 18 years of age
d) 30 years of age

Answer 1

The xiphoid process ossifies late in life, commonly becoming fully ossified at around 30 years of age.

Step-by-step explanation:

The xiphoid process is the inferior tip of the sternum and is comprised of cartilage early in life. This structure then gradually ossifies starting during middle age, which typically means it is not completely ossified until an individual is around 30 years of age. It is relevant to mention that the ribs are also initially developed from cartilage and then ossify, except for the anterior portion, which remains as costal cartilage. The sternum itself follows a similar pattern, with the manubrium and body ossifying before the xiphoid process, which remains cartilaginous well into adulthood and only typically ossifies completely around the age of 30.