Glossary
The cervical spine (neck region) consists of seven bones (C1-C7 vertebrae), which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs. These discs allow the spine to move freely and act as shock absorbers during activity.
Establishing a definitive airway is defined as placement of an ETT in the trachea with cuff inflated below the vocal cords. Relative to the ETT, the LMA is more prone to displacement and malposition. As such, it does not provide definitive airway security in terms of placement or dependable ventilation.
Encased by protective cartilages the larynx houses the vestibular fold and vocal (true) cords. The larynx represents the merger point between the upper airway and trachea.
the epiglottis is a flap of cartilage behind the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe.
The hypopharynx forms the final section of the pharynx before it merges with the oesophagus.
Distance between the upper and lower incisors.
Bound superiorly by the epiglottis and inferiorly by the junction between the glottic inlet and oesophagus.
Encased by protective cartilages the larynx houses the vestibular fold and vocal (true) cords. The larynx represents the merger point between the upper airway and trachea.
The nasopharynx lies behind the nasal cavity and above the soft palate and communicates with the oropharynx through the pharyngeal isthmus, which becomes closed off during the act of swallowing.
The oesophagus is the hollow tube that leads from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach.
Oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), measured by closing the expiratory valve of the anesthetic circle system at a fixed gas flow rate and noting the equilibrium airway pressure, is used to quantify the efficacy of airway sealing in SGA devices.
The oropharynx is bordered by the soft palate superiorly and base of the tongue inferiorly.
The palate separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.
Part of the palatopharyngeal curve where the backplate or posterior of an LMA abuts when in situ.
The pharynx, commonly called the throat, is a passageway that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. It serves both the respiratory and digestive systems by receiving air from the nasal cavity and air, food, and water from the oral cavity.
The pyriform sinus (also spelled piriform sinus and also known as the pyriform recess, pyriform fossa, and smuggler’s fossa) is the pear-shaped subsite of the hypopharynx
The hypopharynx forms the final section of the pharynx before it merges with the oesophagus.
located posterolaterally to either side of the laryngeal opening.
Bound superiorly by the epiglottis and inferiorly by the junction between the glottic inlet and oesophagus, the laryngopharynx typically contains the bulk of the LMA mask. The mask’s bowl aligns with the laryngeal inlet, while the lateral aspects of the cuff abut the pyriform fossa forming an airtight seal. This seal is called the primary seal. The distal cuff tip should occupy the entire hypopharynx forming an oesophageal seal to protect the laryngeal inlet from aspiration from below. This oesophageal seal is also known as the secondary seal.
The tongue is anchored to the mouth by webs of tough tissue and mucosa. In the back of the mouth, the tongue is anchored into the hyoid bone.
