Trachea, Bronchi, and Lungs Flashcards
Where does the trachea begin?
Inferior border of the cricoid cartilage (C6)
What is the significance of the C-shaped cartilaginous rings of the trachea?
Prevent the trachea from collapsing
About how many C-shaped rings make up the trachea?
15-20
To which direction do the C-shaped rings of the trachea open?
Posteriorly
What spans the posterior opening of the trachea’s cartilaginous rings?
Trachealis muscle
How long is the trachea?
9-15 cm
Where does the trachea bifurcate into the main bronchi?
At the sternal angle (intervertebral disc of T4 and T5)
What is the carina of the trachea?
Prominent ridge located at its bifurcation which separates the openings of the main bronchi
What does carina mean?
Keel (of a boat)
Where does the trachea lie in reference to the esophagus?
Anterior
Where does the trachea lie in reference to the arch of the aorta?
Posterior
In which direction does the trachea deviate just before its bifurcation?
Right
Why does the trachea deviate to the right just before its bifurcation?
For the passage of the aortic arch
What are the characteristics of the right main bronchus?
Shorter, wider, and more vertical
What is the pathway of the right main bronchus?
Passes under the arch of the azygos vein
Where does the right main bronchus give off the superior lobar bronchus?
BEFORE entering the hilum
Where does the right main bronchus divide into the middle and inferior lobar bronchi?
Within the hilum
Both the right and left main bronchi divide into how many segmental bronchi?
10
The right main bronchus has how many lobar bronchi?
3
What are the characteristics of the left main bronchus?
Longer, narrower, and more horizontal
What is the pathway of the left main bronchus?
Passes anterior to the esophagus
Where does the left main bronchus divide into the superior and inferior lobar bronchi?
Within the hilum of the lung
The left main bronchus has how many lobar bronchi?
2
Why does the left main bronchus only have two lobar bronchi?
There is no middle lobe on the left lung
What type of individuals are more likely to aspirate foreign objects?
Children
Foreign objects are typically aspired into which main bronchus and why?
Right main bronchus due to its wide, short, and vertical arrangement
Where is the lowest point in the tracheobronchial tree where the cough reflex is mechanically initiated?
Carina
What covers the carina?
A sensitive mucous membrane
What can occur once a foreign object passes the carina and the coughing reflex is stopped?
Chemical bronchitis and atelectasis
What arteries make up the blood supply to the trachea?
Inferior thyroid artery and bronchial arteries
What is the innervation of the trachea?
Vagus nerve and sympathetic trunk
