At what vertebral level does the trachea bifurcate?

The trachea bifurcates at the level of T4-T5, which corresponds to the area where it splits into the right and left main bronchi. This anatomical feature is important for understanding respiratory pathologies and procedures related to airway management. The bifurcation is typically located at the sternal angle, which correlates with the anatomical markers of the T4 and T5 vertebrae. This knowledge is crucial for professionals in the medical and radiologic fields, as it aids in the interpretation of imaging studies and the understanding of thoracic anatomy. Additionally, recognizing the trachea's location and bifurcation point is significant during procedures such as intubation, bronchoscopy, and assessing conditions like tracheobronchial injury.