Question

What is the level of bifurcation of trachea in a living person?

Answer 1

T4-T5 intervertebral dic

Explanation:

The trachea extends from inferior end of larynx at C6 vertebra and ends at the level of sternal angle (T4-T5 IV disc) where it divides into left and right main bronchi

Answer 2

`T6`

Range is `T5 - T7`

Explanation:

In a cadaver the level of bifurcation of trachea is at the lower border of `T4` vertebra , range is `T3 - T5`

In a living person it varies from `T5 - T7` on an average `T6`

The reason for the shortening of tracheal length in a cadaver is due to tracheal muscle (trachealis) contraction.

So an anatomy student while dissecting a cadaver,finds the tracheal bifurcation level mostly at the lower border of `T4` i.e opposite the sternal angle of Louis.

**Remember in a new born it is at the level of `T3`