The respiratory system - Trachea and Principle Bronchi

Question 1

What is the trachea held open by?

Answer 1

Held open by cartilage – here in C-shaped rings. The free ends of these rings are supported by the trachealis muscle.

Question 2

What is the cartilage called at the bifurcation of the trachea?

Answer 2

At the bifurcation of the primary bronchi, a ridge of cartilage called the carina runs anteroposteriorly between the openings of the two bronchi.

Question 3

Describe the structure of the right bronchi

Answer 3

Right main bronchus – wider, shorter, and descends more vertically than its left-sided counterpart. Clinically, this results in a higher incidence of foreign body inhalation. The right superior lobar bronchus arises before the right main bronchus enters the hilum.

Question 4

Describe where the left bronchi passes (arch of aorta, thoracic aorta and oesophagus)

Answer 4

Left main bronchus – passes inferiorly to the arch of the aorta, and anteriorly to the thoracic aorta and oesophagus in order to reach the hilum of the left lung.

Question 5

Where does the trachea extend from?

Answer 5

The trachea extends from the larynx (level C6) to the primary bronchi (level T4)

Question 6

How are the tracheal rings completed posteriorly?

Answer 6

By smooth muscle, trachealis muscle

Question 7

What structure lies posterior to the trachea?

Answer 7

The oesophagus

Question 8

What is the function of the trachealis muscle?

Answer 8

Bridges the gap between oesophagus and trachea

Question 9

At what level does the primary bronchi enter the lungs?

Answer 9

level with T6

Question 10

What is the carina?

Answer 10

Division of the bronchi