Carina of trachea
Encyclopedia
In anatomy, the carina is a cartilaginous ridge within the trachea
that runs anteroposteriorly between the two primary bronchi at the site of the tracheal bifurcation at the lower end of the trachea (usually at the level of the 4th to 5th thoracic vertebrae
, which is in line with the Angle of Louis).
The mucous membrane of the carina is the most sensitive area of the trachea and larynx for triggering a cough reflex. Widening and distortion of the carina is a serious sign because it usually indicates carcinoma
of the lymph node
s around the region where the trachea divides.
Tracheobronchial injury
, an injury to the airways, occurs within 2.5 cm of the carina 60% of the time.
Vertebrate trachea
In tetrapod anatomy the trachea, or windpipe, is a tube that connects the pharynx or larynx to the lungs, allowing the passage of air. It is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium cells with goblet cells that produce mucus...
that runs anteroposteriorly between the two primary bronchi at the site of the tracheal bifurcation at the lower end of the trachea (usually at the level of the 4th to 5th thoracic vertebrae
Thoracic vertebrae
In human anatomy, twelve thoracic vertebrae compose the middle segment of the vertebral column, between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. They are intermediate in size between those of the cervical and lumbar regions; they increase in size as one proceeds down the spine, the upper...
, which is in line with the Angle of Louis).
The mucous membrane of the carina is the most sensitive area of the trachea and larynx for triggering a cough reflex. Widening and distortion of the carina is a serious sign because it usually indicates carcinoma
Carcinoma
Carcinoma is the medical term for the most common type of cancer occurring in humans. Put simply, a carcinoma is a cancer that begins in a tissue that lines the inner or outer surfaces of the body, and that generally arises from cells originating in the endodermal or ectodermal germ layer during...
of the lymph node
Lymph node
A lymph node is a small ball or an oval-shaped organ of the immune system, distributed widely throughout the body including the armpit and stomach/gut and linked by lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are garrisons of B, T, and other immune cells. Lymph nodes are found all through the body, and act as...
s around the region where the trachea divides.
Tracheobronchial injury
Tracheobronchial injury
Tracheobronchial injury is damage to the tracheobronchial tree . It can result from blunt or penetrating trauma to the neck or chest, inhalation of harmful fumes or smoke, or aspiration of liquids or objects.Though rare, TBI is a serious condition; it may cause obstruction of the airway with...
, an injury to the airways, occurs within 2.5 cm of the carina 60% of the time.
External links
- "Cast of trachea and bronchi, anterior view" (#2)- "Trachea and carina — tomogram, coronal plane" at SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- Carina tracheae entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms