Image Based Question – 66213

Which among the following are true about the Larynx in the stage of life shown in the picture below?

A. Epiglottis is large and omega shaped.

B. Cricoid narrowest part.

C. It extends till C4,5,6 vertebrae.

D. a and b.

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Correct Answer » D Explanation

Ans:D. a.Epiglottis is large and omega shaped. and b.Cricoid narrowest part

The stage of life shown in the picture above represents neonate.

ANATOMY OF AIRWAY IN NEONATE

• Proportionately larger head and tongue, the tongue is often pushed against the palate

• Narrow nasal passages

• Anterior and cephalad larynx (the larynx is anteriorly inclined)

• Epiglottis is soft, large and patulous, Omega shaped and inclined at 45°.

• Larynx is situated high up (C2 – C4). (in adults = C3 – C6)

• Of equal size in both sexes (in adults it is larger in males)

• Larynx is funnel shaped

• The narrowest part of the infantile larynx is the junction of subglottic larynx with trachea( rather than the rima glottidis ) and this is because cricoid cartilage is very small

• Laryngeal cartilages are soft and collapse easily

• Short trachea and short neck.

• Thyroid cartilage is flat. The cricothyroid and thyrohyoid spaces are narrow.