Morphometric Analysis of the Human Trachea A Cadaveric Study in the Gujarati Population

Abstract

Background: Precise knowledge of tracheal morphometry is vital for various clinical procedures, including endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy, and surgical reconstructions. Tracheal dimensions are known to vary significantly across different ethnic populations. This study aimed to establish baseline morphometric standards for the human trachea specifically within the Gujarati population.

Methods: A cadaveric study was conducted on 50 adult specimens (34 males, 16 females; age range 15–83 years). Morphometric parameters, including anteroposterior (AP) diameter, transverse (T) diameter, and external circumference, were measured at three anatomical levels: upper (below cricoid), middle, and lower (above bifurcation) using a sliding vernier caliper and the flexible thread method.

Results: The mean (±SD) AP diameters for the total cohort at the upper, middle, and lower levels were 1.82±0.31 cm, 1.72±0.28 cm, and 1.61±0.26 cm, respectively. The corresponding transverse diameters were 1.96±0.31 cm, 1.92±0.32 cm, and 1.97±0.33 cm. Tracheal circumference averaged 6.29±0.93 cm at the upper level and 6.13±0.94 cm at the lower level. Highly significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.01) was observed across all parameters, with male dimensions consistently exceeding those of females. In both sexes, the transverse diameter generally exceeded the AP diameter.

Conclusion: The Gujarati population exhibits unique tracheal dimensions that are larger than South Indian cohorts but smaller than Western populations. These findings provide essential population-specific data for anesthesiologists and surgeons to optimize airway management and for forensic experts in sex determination.

Keywords: Trachea, Morphometry, Gujarati Population, Cadaveric Study, Sexual Dimorphism, Airway Management.