"The trachea extends from the inferior margin of the cricoid cartilage (C6) and branches into the right and left main bronchi at the carina, located at the T4 vertebral body level, in the plane of Ludwig. The precise location of the bifurcation of the trachea is dynamic. In a supine position, bifurcation occurs at T4, however shifting to T5 or even T6 when erect. The level is further affected by respiration and in some individuals can descend to as low as T6 or T7 during deep inspiration. It is usually situated in a midline position and can be displaced slightly to the right at the arch of the aorta 1. In the lateral view, the trachea slants from an anterior position beneath the larynx to a posterior position at the carina 5. The tracheal length is usually between 10-13 cm with a width of 1.5-2 cm and is wider in men than in women 2,3."
"anteriorly: sternum, strap muscles, thyroid isthmus, ascending aorta, brachiocephalic artery, right common carotid artery, superior vena cava, inferior thyroid veins, left brachiocephalic vein 3,5"
"laterally: lateral walls of the thyroid gland, left common carotid artery, arch of the azygos vein, right and left recurrent laryngeal nerves, right and left vagus nerves 5"
"laterally: lateral walls of the thyroid gland, left common carotid artery, arch of the azygos vein, right and left recurrent laryngeal nerves, right and left vagus nerves 5"
"may be associated with chronic atelectasis, bronchiectasis and recurrent pneumonia"