North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Where is the carina located?

1. At the end of the trachea before entering the lungs

2. At the entrance of the larynx

3. At the point where the trachea bifurcates

4. At the base of the diaphragm

The correct answer is: At the point where the trachea bifurcates

The carina is located at the point where the trachea bifurcates, which is the area where the trachea divides into the left and right main bronchi. This anatomical feature is significant because it marks the transition from the trachea, which serves as the main airway leading to the lungs, into the branches that enter each lung. Understanding the carina's location is crucial for various medical procedures, such as intubation and bronchoscopy, as well as for interpreting imaging studies of the chest. When the trachea bifurcates at the carina, it is also associated with reflex actions such as the cough reflex, which is triggered by irritation in this area. The carina's position helps ensure proper ventilation and gas exchange in the respiratory system, making it an essential structure in both anatomy and function of the pulmonary system.