Human Anatomy - Lab 21 Step 9

Laboratory 21. Mediastinum
Step 9. Tracheobronchial Lymph Nodes and the Carina

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Retract the arch of the aorta [forceps] and pulmonary trunk to the left. Remove any remaining portions of the pericardium to better expose the trachea. In the area of the bifurcation of the trachea, identify the tracheobronchial lymph nodes.

Observe that the trachea contains U-shaped cartilages that support its anterior and lateral walls. The posterior wall of the trachea consists of a flexible fibromuscular membrane. Identify the right main (primary) bronchus and left main (primary) bronchus.

Make a longitudinal incision in the anterior walls of the right main bronchus and the left main bronchus , and extend the incision to the region of the tracheal bifurcation. Identify the carina, the cartilaginous ridge on the internal surface of the tracheal bifurcation [cross-section].

Links and References:
Grant's: 1.76
Netter: 218, 219
Rohen/Yokochi: 260