Developmental anatomy of the airway

Publication date: Available online 14 December 2018

Source: Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine

Author(s): Niall Wilton, Henrik Hack

Abstract

The airway develops from the primitive foregut at 4 weeks' gestation. Congenital anomalies may result when this process is abnormal. The anatomy of the airway at birth is uniquely different from older children and adults, with a large tongue, long floppy epiglottis, large occiput and cephalad larynx. These features affect the technique required for facemask ventilation, supraglottic airway use and endotracheal intubation. A neutral head position and straight bladed laryngoscope are usually used for intubation. Neonates are also obligate nasal breathers and simultaneously suckle and breath. Minute volume is rate dependent and the highly compliant chest easily displays sternal and intercostal recession during respiratory distress, and early onset of fatigue. From the neonatal period onwards the anatomy gradually begins to resemble that of adults. The cricoid descends caudally, the epiglottis becomes firmer and shorter, and the relatively large occiput recedes. The conventional wisdom of the cricoid ring being the narrowest part of the paediatric airway is not supported by contemporary investigation. The consequence of these findings on endotracheal tube selection and the rationale for increasing use of cuffed endotracheal tubes in children is discussed.

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