Table 1.

Difference in anatomy in Neonates vs. Older children.

Atomy	Neonates	Older Children	Implication of Neonatal Anatomy
Tongue	Relatively large in proportion to oral cavity	Normal	More prone to obstruction
Epiglottis	Long, floppy and omega shaped. Level C3–4	Firm, flatter Level C4–5	Prone to laryngomalacia and difficult intubation
Trachea	Smaller, shorter	Wider and longer	More prone to tracheomalacia and affects the critical closing pressure
Larynx Shape	Funnel shaped	Column	More prone to collapsibility and increased airway resistance
Narrowest point	Below glottis at level of cricoid cartilage	At level of vocal cords	Prone to tracheomalacia and consideration of the size of the required endotracheal tube
Airway Caliber	Smaller and shorter	Relatively wider and longer	Increased airway resistance and prone to obstruction
Occiput	Large	Normal	Prone to obstruction with neck flexion, reduced ability to clear secretion and positioning is important for intubation