Foreign bodies are most commonly aspirated into which mainstem bronchus?

The right mainstem bronchus is the most commonly aspirated bronchus due to its anatomical configuration. It is wider, shorter, and more vertically oriented compared to the left bronchus. These characteristics make it easier for foreign bodies to enter and become lodged in the right bronchus following aspiration.

In cases of aspiration, the following factors contribute to this phenomenon: because the right bronchus deviates less from the trachea, foreign objects tend to travel along the tracheobronchial tree's path of least resistance, which leads more frequently into the right bronchus. The angle of the right bronchus with respect to the trachea is also more acute than that of the left bronchus, making it a more likely site for aspirated items to enter.

Understanding these anatomical differences is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those involved in respiratory medicine and emergency care, to anticipate and manage complications arising from aspiration incidents.