Anatomy of the Airway
- Key Structures:
- Hyoid Bone
- Larynx
- Epiglottis
- Thyrohyoid Membrane
- Thyroid Cartilage
- Cricothyroid Ligament
- Cricoid Cartilage
- Tracheal Cartilage
Pediatric and Adult Airway
Unique Features
- High Larynx at C3
- Large Floppy Epiglottis
- Funnel Shape Trachea
- Narrowest Area at Cricoid Cartilage
- Alignment Difficult: Cannot do sniffing position because of large head
- Easily Obstructed and Hypoxia
Important Airway Anatomy for Awake Intubation
- Innervation:
- Superior Laryngeal Nerve: Supplies mucosa from the epiglottis to the level of the cords.
- Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: Supplies mucosa below the cords.
- Maxillary Branch of the Trigeminal Nerve: Sensory innervation to the nasopharynx.
- Glossopharyngeal Nerve: Sensory innervation to the post 1/3 of the tongue, pharynx, and areas above the epiglottis.
