Tracheobronchial anatomy

Abstract

The trachea is a flexible cylindrical tube composed of cartilaginous incomplete rings, connected by a fibromuscular membrane and lined internally by mucosa. It extends for about 12 cm, from the level of the cricoid cartilage to the body of D4-D5. At its distal ends originate the left and right main bronchi, which in turn will produce more bronchial divisions until the 24th order. Blood supply is established by two arterial systems on each side of the trachea, communicating the aorta artery with the subclavian artery. There are two main bronchi, left and right. Each main bronchus is related to some elements of the mediastinum, and they are not equal in length or size. Bronchial arterial supply depends on the bronchial arteries, which are aortic branches. Anatomical relationship of the tracheobronchial tree will be reviewed in this chapter.