the establishment of a line of vision from the incisor teeth to the larynx
the path of vision from incisor teeth to the larynx has 3 axes. they are...
1. oral axis
2. the pharyngeal axis
3. the laryngeal axis
the oral axis is normally ________ to the laryngeal axis.
perpendicular
the pharyngeal axis normally forms a ______ degree angle to the laryngeal axis
45
how do you superimpose the pharyngeal & laryngeal axes?
POSITIONING...
positioning of the patient with modest neck flexion (sniffing position) and atlanto-occipital joint extension. this is done w/ a cushion/folded towl placed under the occiput.
why do you want to superimpose the pharyngeal & laryngeal axes?
because then you get the necessary line of vision for intubation
Anatomical factors complicating intubation in infants (5)