Sun21November0420PM 9

In neonatal physiology (compared to adults):

True / False

The epiglottis is higher in the neck Correct

The narrowest part of the airway is below the glottis Correct

The diaphragm is the predominant muscle of respiration Correct

Static pulmonary compliance is higher Incorrect answer selected

The main bronchi divide at approximately equal angles from the mid-line Correct

Explanation

The epiglottis in a neonate is much higher in the neck (C3-4) than in an adult (C5-6). It is more anterior, more floppy and omega shaped. The narrowest point in the airway is in the sub-glottic area, the cricoid ring, whereas in the adult it is at the level of the vocal cords.

The static pulmonary compliance of a neonate (1.5-5 mL/cmH2O) is much lower than that of an adult (200 mL/cmH2O). The compliance of the neonatal chest wall is greater than that of an adult.

The trachea is central and the bronchi divided at equal angles. In an adult the right main bronchus branches off the trachea at an approximate 25-degree angle and the left forming an angle of approximately 40-degrees. In a neonate both left and right main bronchi branch equally at about 55-degrees.

The main muscle of respiration in the neonate is the diaphragm, responsible for 95% of 'quiet' respiration compared with 40% in the adult.

Answer Statistics

Not enough data to display the statistics

Average score: 72.57%

Times answered: 253