The anatomy of the pediatric airway: Has our knowledge changed in 120 years? A review of historic and recent investigations of the anatomy of the pediatric larynx

ConclusionIn vivo studies do not take into account the motion of the highly pliable laryngeal upper airway structures (aryepiglottic, vestibular, and vocal folds). Maximal abduction of these structures with tracheal tubes or bronchoscopes always demonstrates a larger opening of the glottis compared to the outlet of the cricoid ring. Injury to the larynx depends upon ease of tracheal tube or endoscope passage past the cricoid cartilage and not passage through the readily distensible more proximal structures. The infant larynx is funnel shaped with the narrowest portion the circular or near circular cricoid cartilage confirmed by multiple in vitro autopsy specimens carried out over the past century.
Source: Pediatric Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Source Type: research