Anatomical Differences Between Pediatric and Adult Airways 

Pediatric airway is... 

• Proportionally smaller larynx 

• Narrowest portion is the cricoid cartilage (below vocal cords)

• Epiglottis is longer and narrower 

• Head and occiput are proportionally larger 

• Tongue is proportionally larger 

• Neck is much shorter 

• Larynx is more anterior and cephalad 

• Risk of mainstem intubation is much hiaher in pediatrics due to short trachea and bronchus 



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