Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Respiratory System
C1 · Anatomy of the Respiratory System
C1.v · Procedural Airway & Thoracic Anatomy
Describe the anatomy relevant to the following procedures: a. insertion of an intercostal catheter, b. endotracheal intubation, c. cricothyroidotomy, d. percutaneous tracheostomy, e. bronchoscopy.
Written examination
SAQ history
Tension Pneumothorax & ICC
4 exam appearances
Describe the relevant anatomy for insertion of an intercostal catheter. (60% of marks) How does breathing 100% oxygen help in the resolution of a pneumothorax? (40% of marks)
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Outline the physiological consequences of a tension pneumothorax. (60% of marks) Describe the anatomy relevant to the insertion of an intercostal catheter. (40% of marks)
60%
Tracheal Anatomy & Percutaneous Tracheostomy
1 exam appearance
a) On the diagram below, identify the anatomical structures labelled A-H (40% of marks).
b) Describe the structural anatomy of the trachea, excluding the anatomical relations (45% of marks).
c) Outline the ideal location for the insertion of percutaneous tracheostomy tube (15% of marks).
38.6%
Tracheostomy Anatomy
4 exam appearances
Describe the surface anatomy of the anterior neck (30% of marks) and the underlying structures relevant to performing a tracheostomy (70% of marks).
79%
Outline the anatomical relations of the trachea relevant to performing a percutaneous tracheostomy.
44%
Describe the anatomy of the neck and trachea relevant to the insertion of a tracheostomy
40%
Tracheobronchial Anatomy
2 exam appearances
Describe the anatomical course and relations of the trachea and bronchial tree (to the level of the segmental bronchi).
24%
Outline the tracheal (60% of marks) and left and right main bronchial anatomy (40% of marks) in an adult.
14%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2023A · Day 1 · VIVA 7
This VIVA will examine upper airway functional anatomy and theophylline pharmacology. This is a view of the larynx as seen during intubation. Identify the structures indicated?
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2019A · Day 2 · VIVA 8
This viva is about laryngeal anatomy. This is a view of the larynx as seen during intubation. Can you identify the following structures? (Image removed from report.)
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2016A · Day 2 · VIVA 3
This viva tested knowledge of respiratory physiology and pharmacology. It discussed the functions of the upper respiratory tract, humidity, anatomy of the larynx, principles of pulse oximetry and the pharmacology of some of the drugs used to treat asthma.
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2014A · VIVA 8
This Viva tested knowledge on cardiovascular physiology. It explored the valsalva manoeuvre, determinates of venous return, cardiac function curves and the anatomy related to intercostal catheter insertion.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.