A 4-year-old child with viral croup develops stridor. The subglottic region is the narrowest part of the pediatric airway. At which anatomical level is this narrowest point located?

• A At the level of the cricoid ring (subglottis) ✓
• B At the level of the vocal cords (rima glottidis)
• C At the level of the laryngeal inlet (aditus)
• D At the level of the tracheal rings (upper trachea)

Explanation

In children, the narrowest part of the airway is the subglottis at the level of the cricoid ring (a complete cartilaginous ring). This is why subglottic edema in croup causes inspiratory stridor. In adults, the narrowest part is the glottis at the level of the vocal cords. This anatomical difference has clinical implications for airway management in children.

Reference: Scott-Brown's Otorhinolaryngology, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.