Pulmonary artery

The carina is surrounded by important neurovascular landmarks.
Just proximal, posterior, and slightly to the right of the main carina the pulmonary artery divides into the right and left pulmonary branches.

The bronchial and arterial bifurcations are separated by the interbifurcal space.

The right anterior aspect of the main carina is in contact with the juncture of the azygos vein and the superior vena cava, while the left anterior aspect is in contact with the aortic arch.

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve meets the carina at this point.

The esophagus lies posterior.

Superior vena cava

Aortic arch

Esophagus