Gross Anatomy of Trachea

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

Midline, anterior portion of the neck. In the thoracic cavity, posteriorly and inferiorly to mediastinum.

Question 2

Size, Shape, Appearance

Answer 2

Tubular structure, ~10-11cm long, Lumen is patent and ~2cm in diameter. Extends from inferior part of larynx at C6 Bifurcates at T5. 16-20 C shaped pieces of cartilage make it appear D shaped in cross section. Fibromuscular posterior surface faces the oesophagus.

Question 3

Relations

Answer 3

Inf = inferior mediastinum
Ant = Neck wall, thymus gland, aortic arch and branches.
Post = Oesophagus
Sup = Larynx
Lat = Carotid arteries, subclavian arteries, pleura, and lungs.

Question 4

Blood Supply and Drainage

Answer 4

Supply - Branches to inferior thyroid artery and branches of bronchial arteries. Occasionally branches of oesphageal arteries.
Drainage - Inferior thyroid veins to brachiocephalic veins.

Question 5

Lymphatic Drainage

Answer 5

A series of paratracheal nodes on left and right. Drain to main ducts. Superior section of trachea drains to nodes classified by level as per the head and neck AJCC system.