Background: The knowledge of sternal variations is important as this bone is usually chosen for bone marrow aspiration. One such developmental anomaly is the presence of foramina of varying dimensions, in manubrium, body of sternum (mesosternum) or xiphisternum. Usually, the defect occurs in the lower third of sternum, in the body, as a single midline foramen (oval or round) and is usually asymptomatic and can be demonstrated only by CT scanning. The observation and knowledge of these foramina are of utmost importance in clinical, forensic and acupuncture techniques. Hence, this observation could be a useful one. Methods: 71 dried adult human sternae from the Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Aurangabad were studied. Measurements of sternal foramina if present were made with sliding vernier caliper and photographic documentation was obtained. Results: Out of 71 human sternae studied, Sternal foramina were found in 3 male sternums, resulting in an incidence of 4.22 % while none were found in female sternum. The largest sternal foramina found measured 11 x 12 mm and smallest measured 7 x 5 mm. Conclusion: Sternal foramina are variant quite common in the population, which is not only a focus of attention to the anatomists but also of interest to Forensic experts, orthopedicians, paediatricians, cardiothoracic surgeons, physicians because it is in very close contact with heart and lungs.

Keywords: Sternal Foramen; Fusion Defect; Incidence; Sternal Puncture; Cardiac Tamponade.