Trachea

Question 1

Where does the trachea begin? what vertebral level can it be found?

Answer 1

Inferior border of the cricoid cartilage

C6

Question 2

What does the trachea consist of?

Answer 2

15-20 ‘C’ shaped cartilaginous rings

A posterior band of smooth muscle

Question 3

What is the function of the cartilaginous rings in the trachea?

Answer 3

prevent it from collapsing

Question 4

What is the purpose of the posterior band of smooth muscle in the trachea

Answer 4

Allows the esophagus to expand during swallowing

Question 5

What is the name of the muscle that spans the posterior portion of the trachea

Answer 5

The trachealis muscle

Question 6

How long is the trachea

Answer 6

9-15cm

Question 7

What disc level does the trachea bifurcate

Answer 7

T4/T5 (level of the sternal angle)

Question 8

What is the name of the ridge at the bifurcation site of the trachea that seperates the left and right bronchi

Answer 8

Carnia

Question 9

What gives blood supply to the trachea

Answer 9

Inferior Thyroid Artyery

Bronchial arteries

Question 10

What nerves innervates the trachea

Answer 10

Vagus nerve

Sympathetic trunk

Question 11

What type of nerve supply does the vagus nerve give to the trachea

Answer 11

Parasympathetic

Pain