Carina of trachea explained

Carina of trachea
Latin:carina tracheae
System:Respiratory system

The carina of trachea (also: "tracheal carina"[1]) is a ridge of cartilage[2] at the base of the trachea separating the openings of the left and right main bronchi.

Structure

The carina is a cartilaginous ridge separating the left and right main bronchi that is formed by the inferior-ward and posterior-ward prolongation of the inferior-most tracheal cartilage.

The carina occurs at the lower end of the trachea - usually at the level of the 4th to 5th thoracic vertebra. This is in line with the sternal angle, but the carina may raise or descend up to two vertebrae higher or lower with breathing. The carina lies to the left of the midline, and runs antero-posteriorly (front to back).

Blood supply

The bronchial arteries supply the carina and the rest of the lower trachea.

Relations

The carina is around the area posterior to where the aortic arch crosses to the left of the trachea. The azygos vein crosses right to the trachea above the carina.

Physiology

The mucous membrane of the carina is the most sensitive area of the trachea and larynx for triggering a cough reflex.

Clinical significance

Tracheobronchial injury, an injury to the airways, occurs within 2.5 cm of the carina 60% of the time.[3]

Diagnostic radiology

Widening and distortion of the carina is a serious radiological sign that usually indicates carcinoma of the lymph nodes around the region where the trachea divides.

References

  1. Web site: 2011-02-02 . tracheal carina - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms . 2022-12-29 . www.cancer.gov . en.
  2. Web site: carina tracheae . 2022-12-29 . TheFreeDictionary.com.
  3. Chu CP, Chen PP . April 2002 . Tracheobronchial injury secondary to blunt chest trauma: Diagnosis and management . Anaesth Intensive Care . 30 . 2 . 145–52 . 10.1177/0310057X0203000204 . 12002920 . free.

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