Airway Anatomy Flashcards
What are the components of successful airway management?
requires in depth knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the airway
What is imperative to successes in airway management?
Preparation
What are some key components for successful airway management?
- Thorough assessment
- Diligent pre-planning and detailed knowledge of the difficult airway algorithm
- Technical skills that allow for adept use of airway adjuncts
What are the divisions of the airway?
The airway can be divided into the upper and lower airways.
What makes the upper airway?
Structures above the cricoid cartilage, including the nose, mouth, pharynx, hypopharynx and larynx
What makes the lower airway?
Structures below the cricoid cartilage, including the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, terminal bronchioles, respiratory bronchioles and alveoli
Describe the structure of nasopharynx and oropharynx.
- The nasopharynx and oropharynx are the two passages into the airway
- The nasopharynx and oropharynx are initially separated by the hard and soft palate, but join together posteriorly
- The epiglottis is located at the base of the tongue
- The epiglottis separates the naso/oropharynx from the laryngopharynx (aka the hypopharynx)
- The vallecula is located between the base of the tongue and the anterior border of the epiglottis
Define the pharynx.
Forms the common pathway for the respiratory and alimentary tracts. Divided into three components: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.
How long is the pharynx.
Approximately 12-16cm long in adults (extends from the skull to C6)
Define the nasopharynx.
Bound superiorly by the base of the skill and inferiorly by the soft palate
Define the oropharynx.
Bound superiorly by the soft palate and inferiorly by the epiglottis
Define the hypopharynx.
Bound by the superior border of the epiglottis and the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage
What is the characteristics of the larynx?
- Three Divisions
- Nine Cartilages (3 Paired, 3 Unpaired)
Where does the larynx begin?
Begins with the epiglottis and extends to the cricoid cartilage
What are the three divisions of the larynx?
Supraglottic, Glottic & Subglottic
What are the characteristics of the supraglottic division (5)?
Epiglottis, ariepiglotic folds, arytenoid cartilages, false vocal cords, ventricle
What are the glottic divisions?
Vocal cords
Whare are the characteristics of the subglottic division?
Below the vocal cords to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage
Where do the vocal cords attach?
are attached to the thyroid cartilage at the anterior commisure
Where do the vocal cords become mobile?
mobile as the vocal cords attach to the arytenoids
What are the components of the unpaired cartilage (3)?
Thyroid, Cricoid, Epiglottis
What is the only circumferential cartilage in the larynx?
Cricoid
What are the components of the paired cartilage (3)?
Arytenoid, Corniculate, Cuneiform
Where does the epiglottis attach?
Thyroid membrane
What happens when the epiglottis is elevated?
the vocal cords come into view
What are the functions of the epiglottis?
protect the airway
What is the vallecula?
is the depression between the epiglottis and root of the tongue
Where does the mac blade go during intubation?
vallecula
What are the characteristics of the thyroid?
- Adams apple
- Largest cartilage
- Anterior attachment of vocal cords
- V-shaped
What are the characteristic of the cricoid?
- Complete ring
- Narrowest part of a child’s airway*
- Selleck’s Maneuver (cricoid pressure) is applied here to prevent aspiration
What is the narrowest part of a child’s airway (<5 years old) ?
Cricoid
What is the largest cartilage in adults?
Thyroid
What is the characteristics of arytenoid?
Tenses the vocal cords
What are the characteristics of corniculate (2)?
- Posterior part of aryepiglottic folds
- Yellow elastic cartilage
What are the characteristics of cuneiform (2)?
Located on either side of aryepiglottic fold
Small whitish elevation on mucous membrane
What is the narrowest part of the adult airway?
Vocal cords
What are the false cords?
Two thick ventricular folds next to true cords
What are the rima glottis?
The opening between the cords
What are the true cords?
Two strong bands of yellow elastic tissue
What is the cricothyroid membrane? Why is it important?
Cricothyroid membrane extends from the cricoid cartilage to the thyroid cartilage. Access to the airway may be accomplished by entering through this membrane. This structure is key for both entering the airway emergently, as well as for regional anesthesia of the airway