Anatomic differences between the pediatric and adult airway

• Large tongues relative to the size of the oral cavity
• Larger tonsils and adenoids
• A more superior location of the larynx in the neck
• A larger and floppy epiglottis
• The narrowest portion of the airway functionally occurring below the vocal cords

All of these differences make endotracheal intubation in children potentially more difficult than in adults.