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What are the differences between the infant and adult airway?

1) larynx location in infants vs adults
2) relative tongue size
3) infant epiglottis
4) narrowest point in airway
5) positioning for intubation

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The differences between the infant and adult airway include the larynx location, relative tongue size, infant epiglottis, narrowest point in airway, and positioning for intubation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Differences between the infant and adult airway:

  1. The larynx location in infants is higher in the neck compared to adults.
  2. Infants have a relatively larger tongue compared to adults.
  3. The epiglottis in infants is more omega-shaped, while in adults it is more flat and U-shaped.
  4. The narrowest point in the infant airway is at the cricoid cartilage, while in adults it is at the vocal cords.
  5. Positioning for intubation differs between infants and adults due to anatomical differences.
User Jane Wilkie
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