The Trachea Flashcards
Where does the TRACHEA Begin?
The Lower Border of the CRICOID CARTILAGE at the level of C6
What is the EPITHELIUM which lines the Trachea?
CILIATED PSEUDOSTRATIFIED COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM with Goblet Cells
What level does the TRACHEA End?
Trachea Bifurcates at T4/T5 (Sternal Angle of Louis)
What is the Angle of Louis?
The STERNAL ANGLE
- Location of 2nd Costal Cartilages anteriorly
- T4/T5 Posteriorly
What Structures are ANTERIOR to the Trachea in the NECK?
Thyroid Isthmus
Sternohyoid and Sternothyroid Muscles
Inferior Thyroid Veins
What Structures lie LATERAL to the Trachea in the NECK?
Common Carotid Artery
Lobes of the Thyroid
What Structures are POSTERIOR to the Trachea in the NECK?
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Oesophagus
What structures keep the Trachea Patent?
“C- Shaped” Cartilage Rings and Trachealis Muscle
What Structures are Found with the CAROTID SHEATH?
- Common Carotid Artery
- Internal Jugular Vein
-Vagus Nerve
Following BIFURCATION what structures does the Trachea become?
The Right and Left Main Bronchi
How does the RIGHT Main Bronchi differ from the LEFT? Why is this Clinically Significant?
The RIGHT Main Bronchi is:
- SHORTER
-MORE VERTICAL
-STRAIGHTER
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
- Inhaled objects are are commonly found in the RIGHT MIDDLE and LOWER LOBES
What Important Structures Pass Anterior to the RIGHT Main BRONCHUS?
- Azygous Vein
- Pulmonary Artery
What is the ARTERIAL Supply of the TRACHEA?
INFERIOR THYROID ARTERY
What is the VENOUS drainage of the TRACHEA?
Brachiocephalic Vein
Azygos Vein
Accessory hemiazygos veins
What is the Nerve Supply of the TRACHEA?
Parasympathetic and Sensory supply- RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE
The Bronchi
