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Questions and Answers
What anatomical structures maintain the patent state of the trachea?
The anterior C-shaped cartilaginous rings maintain the patent state of the trachea.
At which vertebral level does the trachea begin and end?
The trachea begins at the lower border of the cricoid cartilage (C6) and ends at the lower border of T4.
How does the structure of the trachea differ in living subjects compared to cadavers?
In living subjects, the lumen of the trachea is smaller than in cadavers.
Describe the composition of the tracheal wall.
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What is the role of the trachealis muscle in the trachea?
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Which artery primarily supplies blood to the cervical part of the trachea?
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Where do the veins draining the trachea ultimately lead?
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Identify the lymphatic drainage nodes associated with the trachea.
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What is the function of the parasympathetic nerve supply to the trachea?
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From which ganglion does the sympathetic nerve supply of the trachea originate?
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Study Notes
Trachea Anatomy
- Fibro-elastic tube, initiating the lower respiratory tract; remains open due to its C-shaped cartilaginous rings, allowing esophageal expansion during swallowing.
- Measures 4-6 inches long, with its upper half in the neck and lower half in the superior mediastinum.
- Lumen is smaller in life than in cadavers.
- Extends from the cricoid cartilage (C6) to the T4 vertebra (sternal angle), bifurcating into two main bronchi. In upright individuals, bifurcation occurs at the lower border of T6.
- Generally lies in the median plane, deviating slightly right near its termination.
- Develops from the laryngo-tracheal diverticulum.
Trachea Structure
- Composed of a fibro-elastic wall, reinforced by C-shaped cartilaginous rings (16-20 in number).
- The last tracheal ring is known as the carina.
- The open ends of the C-shaped rings are closed by a fibro-elastic membrane and the trachealis muscle.
- Mucous membrane is lined with ciliated columnar epithelium.
- Submucosa contains numerous mucous and serous glands.
Trachea Blood Supply and Innervation
- Cervical portion supplied by branches of the inferior thyroid artery.
- Veins drain into the left brachiocephalic vein.
- Lymphatic drainage to pretracheal and paratracheal lymph nodes.
- Parasympathetic innervation from the recurrent laryngeal nerve (via the vagus nerve), providing motor function to the trachealis muscle and secretomotor function to the mucous membrane.
- Sympathetic innervation originates from the middle cervical sympathetic ganglion, reaching the trachea via the inferior thyroid arteries, influencing vasomotor control.
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Description
Explore the anatomy and structure of the trachea, a vital component of the lower respiratory tract. This quiz covers its measurements, composition, and unique features such as the C-shaped cartilaginous rings. Test your knowledge on how the trachea develops and its role in respiration.
