What is the trachea and what is its function?

The trachea is a non-collapsible membrano-cartilaginous tube that acts as the main airway, connecting the larynx to the bronchi to allow air passage into the lungs.

Where is the trachea located and how long is it?

It extends from the cricoid cartilage at the C6 vertebra to the T4 vertebra, dividing into bronchi. The trachea is about 10–11 cm long, with a cervical part in the neck and a thoracic part in the mediastinum.

What is the structure of the tracheal wall?

The tracheal wall contains 16–20 C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage, which are incomplete posteriorly. This gap is bridged by the trachealis muscle and connective tissue, giving it a D-shaped cross-section.

What are the key anatomical relations of the cervical trachea?

Key relations include: Anteriorly, the thyroid isthmus, sternohyoid, and sternothyroid muscles. Posteriorly, the esophagus and recurrent laryngeal nerve. Laterally, the thyroid lobes and common carotid arteries.

How is the trachea supplied with blood and nerves?

Blood supply comes from the inferior thyroid arteries, with venous drainage into the left brachiocephalic vein. Nerve supply includes parasympathetic fibers from the vagus nerve via the recurrent laryngeal nerve and sympathetic fibers from the middle cervical ganglion for vasomotor control.

What is a tracheostomy and why is it performed?

Tracheostomy is an emergency surgical procedure to relieve upper airway obstruction, typically in the larynx. It involves making an incision between the 2nd and 4th tracheal rings to insert a tube.

Why is tracheostomy riskier in children?

In children, low tracheostomy is risky due to their short necks and proximity of structures like the thymus, left brachiocephalic vein, and brachiocephalic artery, which can lead to severe hemorrhage if injured.

Cervical Trachea – Relations & Tracheostomy

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