PAEDIATRIC ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY AND THE BASICS OF PAEDIATRIC ANAESTHESIA

Mater Children’s Hospital, Brisbane Australia

The document delves into the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of pediatric patients, emphasizing why they are not simply "small adults" in the context of anesthesia. It systematically explores differences in the airway and respiratory system, including head size, tongue proportion, larynx position, nasal breathing preference, and the funnel-shaped, narrowest-at-the-cricoid airway. The text also touches upon the psychological aspects of surgery for different age groups and practical considerations for pre-operative visits, such as building rapport, taking histories, performing physical exams, and estimating weight for drug dosing.