Abstract
PurposeDetails regarding tracheal anatomy are currently lacking, with existing literature focussing mainly on the cricoid-tracheal region or the carina. External gross anatomy and internal morphology throughout the entire trachea is important for normal physiological functioning and various clinical applications such as designs for tracheal implants or endotracheal devices.ObjectiveTo determine quantitative and qualitative characteristics of gross tracheal and individual tracheal ring anatomy.Method10 tracheas were harvested from formaldehyde-fixed cadavers. Tracheal length, height and inter-ring distance were measured from complete tracheas. Individual rings were excised and the following measurements were taken at three points on the ring: thickness, width, and antero-posterior (A-P) length.ResultsThe average tracheal length was 10.38 ± 0.85 cm with a mean of 19 ± 3 rings per trachea. The average width and A-P diameter of tracheal lumens were 17.31 ± 2.57 and 17.27 ± 2.56 mm, with a width-AP ratio of 1.00 (‘C’ shaped ring). The A-P diameter shows a trend of narrowing slightly from the upper 1/3 to the lower 1/3 of the trachea. While majority of tracheal rings consisted of the expected ‘C’ shape, more than 41% of the 147 counted rings consisted of abnormally shaped rings which were further analysed.ConclusionThis study provides further details regarding tracheal anatomy which will be useful for implant design. Of interest for anatomists, is the marked variability in tracheal ring morphology which could be further characterised in larger studies.
Highlights
In the late 1800 s few textbooks showed shapes of the tracheal rings, of which, the description given by Ph
While majority of tracheal rings consisted of the expected ‘C’ shape, more than 41% of the 147 counted rings consisted of abnormally shaped rings which were further analysed
This study provides further details regarding tracheal anatomy which will be useful for implant design
Summary
In the late 1800 s few textbooks showed shapes of the tracheal rings, of which, the description given by Ph. Sappey in 1874 was the most detailed. A review of the current literature regarding the morphology of trachea cartilage shows little to no research further exploring this frontal-plane variation in ring shape. Chunder et al [2] is the most recent and the only study, the authors could find, to note ring variation in the axial plane. This neglected area of study is important for anatomical understanding as well as clinical practice. The effect of the presence or absence of cartilage in bronchial
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
