From the Research
The subglottic region is bordered superiorly by the inferior margin of the vocal folds (true vocal cords) and inferiorly by the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage, as defined by the most recent and highest quality study 1. This cylindrical space represents the narrowest portion of the larynx in children and is a critical anatomical landmark in airway management.
- The subglottic region extends approximately 1-2 cm in adults, though this measurement varies with age and individual anatomy.
- Laterally, the subglottic region is bounded by the cricoid cartilage, which forms a complete ring around the airway, unlike the tracheal rings below it or the thyroid cartilage above it.
- Understanding these borders is essential for clinicians managing conditions like subglottic stenosis, performing endotracheal intubation, or evaluating airway pathology. The complete cartilaginous ring of the cricoid makes this area particularly susceptible to post-intubation injury and subsequent stenosis, as mucosal edema in this fixed space can significantly compromise the airway, especially in pediatric patients, as noted in earlier studies 2, 3, 4, 5. However, the most recent study 1 provides the most accurate and up-to-date definition of the subglottic region, which is crucial for effective management of subglottic stenosis and other airway conditions.