Morphometric analysis of human trachea in adult in Gujarat region by luminal cast Plastination

Abstract

Background: The trachea makes a significant portion of the conducting airways. In addition to its vital role in breathing, variations in the anatomy of the trachea between individuals could have significant importance in clinics. Objective: To obtain values of length and diameter of human trachea. Material and Methods: The Length, antero-posterior and transverse diameters of the trachea were measured on 28 cast of trachea prepared by luminal cast Plastination in the anatomy department of B. J. medical college of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Result: The maximum length of trachea was 10.59 cm and minimum was 8.51 cm. The mean length of trachea was 9.37 cm. The maximum anteroposterior diameter of trachea was 2.25 cm and minimum was 1.16 cm. The mean anteroposterior diameter of trachea was 1.70 cm. The maximum transverse diameter of trachea was 2.1 cm and minimum was 1.42 cm. The mean transverse diameter of trachea was 1.78 cm. Conclusion: Knowledge of the diameter and length of the trachea is essential in the proper selection of endotracheal tube size used for delivery of anaesthetic gases during general anaesthesia. In addition, this knowledge aids clinicians in choosing the proper size of tracheostomy tubes used in emergency situations. Key words: Trachea, Luminal cast Plastination, Tracheobronchial tree cast