TYK2
What is the shape of the pediatric (less than 8 years of age) larynx?
A. Funnel Shaped
B. Hexagonal
C. Cylindrical
D. Torus
Answer
The answer is C. Before you go getting all upset, know that what you have been taught, is incorrect. Historically, it has been believed the pediatric larynx is a funnel shaped with the smallest portion being the cricoid ring. This belief was founded on a paper by Eckenhoff in 1951 [1] in which the larynx was modeled from plaster molds of a cadaveric larynx. More recent studies using two entirely different methodologies in infants and children under general anesthesia, found that the dimensions of the larynx in infants and children are actually more cylindrical than funnel-shaped,[2],[3], as in adults. These shape seems to be consistent in different ages and does not change significantly with growth.
Notes
- ↑ JAMES E. ECKENHOFF, M.D. SOME ANATOMIC CONSIDERATIONS OF THE INFANT LARYNX INFLUENCING ENDOTRACHEAL ANESTHESIA. Anesthesiology 7 1951, Vol.12, 401-410.,
- ↑ Motoyama, Etsuro K. MD. The Shape of the Pediatric Larynx: Cylindrical or Funnel Shaped? Anesthesia & Analgesia: May 2009 - Volume 108 - Issue 5 - pp 1379-1381
- ↑ Dalal, Priti G. MD, FRCA*; Murray, David MD†; Messner, Anna H. MD‡; Feng, Angela MD∥; McAllister, John MD¶; Molter, David MD#. Pediatric Laryngeal Dimensions: An Age-Based Analysis. Anesthesia & Analgesia:May 2009 - Volume 108 - Issue 5 - pp 1475-1479.
Keywords
Additional Keywords will be added when available.
<Prev Question --- Next Question>