How does the xiphoid process change from infancy to adulthood?

The xiphoid process (from the Greek, meaning “sword-shaped”) consists of hyaline cartilage during infancy and childhood. It does not completely ossify until after age 30 and often not until age 40. Proper positioning of the hand during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is important to ensure the xiphoid process is not injured.