| Carina
The carina is a keel-shaped cartilage lying at the tracheal bifurcation -- it separates the right main stem bronchus from the left main stem bronchus. The carina is a little to the left of the tracheal bifurcation, so if there is an inhaled body the carina will tend to divert foreign objects to the right main bronchus. |
 This where my tube should have been. Instead, it was placed too low, resting upon the Carina. Is it any wonder I felt like I was choking??? |
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 The mucous membrane of the Carina is the most sensitive area of the trachea and larynx for triggering a cough reflex. |
Tracheobronchial injury, an injury to the airways, occurs within 2.5 cm of the carina 40–80% of the time. |
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