Carina of trachea

Carina of trachea is a crucial anatomical structure located within the respiratory system. It is the point at which the trachea, or windpipe, divides into the two primary bronchi that lead to the lungs.

Anatomy

The carina of trachea is a ridge of cartilage that runs anteroposteriorly between the two bronchial openings. It is located approximately at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra, although this can vary slightly depending on individual anatomy and body position. The carina is lined with mucous membrane and contains numerous sensory nerve endings, making it highly sensitive to touch and foreign objects.

Clinical significance

Due to its sensitivity, the carina of trachea plays a crucial role in the cough reflex. When foreign objects or excessive mucus stimulate the carina, it triggers a cough to expel the irritant from the respiratory tract.

In medical procedures such as bronchoscopy and tracheal intubation, care must be taken to avoid stimulating the carina to prevent coughing or other reflex actions. The carina can also serve as a landmark for these procedures, indicating the point of bifurcation of the trachea.

Pathologically, the carina can be affected by conditions such as tracheal deviation and lung cancer. In lung cancer, a tumor may cause the trachea to deviate from its normal position, which can be detected by observing the position of the carina.

See also

• Trachea
• Bronchi
• Respiratory system