In anatomy, the carina is a cartilaginous ridge within the trachea that runs anteroposteriorly between the two primary bronchi at the site of the tracheal bifurcation at the lower end of the trachea (usually at the level of the 4th to 5th thoracic vertebrae).

The mucous membrane of the carina is the most sensitive area of the trachea and larynx for triggering a cough reflex. Widening and distortion of the carina is a serious sign because it usually indicates carcinoma of the lymph nodes around the region where the trachea divides.

Tracheobronchial injury, an injury to the airways, occurs within 2.5 cm of the carina 40?80% of the time.^[1]

References

1. ↑

External links

• - "Cast of trachea and bronchi, anterior view" (#2)
• "Trachea and carina ? tomogram, coronal plane" at SUNY Downstate Medical Center

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