Normal examination of the upper airways by endoscopy: trachea and bronchi.

Normal examination of the upper airways by endoscopy: trachea and bronchi.

Normal examination of the upper airways by endoscopy: trachea and bronchi.


Introduction

This e-Anatomy module shows the endoscopic exploration of the upper airways of a patient under anesthesia. This examination is essential for diagnosis, tumor biopsy, preparation for lung resections or other alternative treatments such as stenting. 

Presented here is a complete and labeled exam of the tracheobronchial tree. This module is particularly intended for medical students, interns or any physician with an in-depth interest in the anatomy of the upper airways.

Anatomy atlas of human bronchoscopy, fully labeled
Bronchoscopic view of the right inferior lobar bonchus (B7, B8, B9, B10)

Material and methods

This bronchial fibroscopy was performed by Dr. Philippe Tarodo de la Fuente (Pulmonologist - Montpellier, France), to remove a tumor in the anterior segmental bronchus of the right lung in this patient (results of histological analysis not available).
The images were labeled by Stephan Mahler, Veterinary Anatomist, under the anatomical and scientific supervision of Dr. Antoine Micheau and Dr. Denis Hoa (Radiologists - Montpellier, France).

The anatomical structures have been labeled, based on the Terminologia Anatomica 2 and grouped into different themes: 

  • Trachea
  • Main bronchus
  • Lobar bronchus
  • Segmental bronchus

Images

Labelled bronchoscopy in human
Bronchoscopic view of the separation of the left superior and inferior lobar bronchus
Labelled endoscopy of the bronchial tree in a patient
Bronchoscopic view of the basal segmental bronchus of the left lung (B7, B8, B9, B10)
Anatomy atlas of human bronchoscopy, fully labeled
Bronchoscopic view of the right inferior lobar bonchus (B7, B8, B9, B10)
Labelled bronchoscopy in human
Bronchoscopic view of the separation of the left superior and inferior lobar bronchus
Labelled endoscopy of the bronchial tree in a patient
Bronchoscopic view of the basal segmental bronchus of the left lung (B7, B8, B9, B10)
  • Terminologia anatomica: international anatomical terminology By the Federative Committee on Anatomical Terminology (FCAT).  Stuttgart:  Georg Thieme Verlag.  ISBN-10: 3-13-114361-4. ISBN-13: 978-3-13-114361-7
  • Amer K. Mastering Bronchoscopy for Thoracic Surgery. April 2019. doi:10.25373/ctsnet.7971305 (consulted January 2023).