How does a King airway function?

The King airway is a type of supraglottic airway device that is designed to provide effective ventilation for patients who are unable to maintain their own airway. It functions by isolating the esophagus from the laryngopharynx, which prevents the entrance of gastric contents into the airway during ventilation.

This isolation is crucial because it allows for the delivery of air into the lungs while simultaneously protecting the airway from aspiration. The design of the King airway includes a specific curvature and inflatable cuffs that conform to the anatomy of the pharynx and esophagus, forming a seal that prevents air from escaping and preventing foreign materials from entering the airway.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the function of a King airway. It does not inflate the esophagus for food intake, control airflow through the nasal passage, or inflate the stomach during resuscitation. These functions are unrelated to the primary role of the King airway in providing ventilation and maintaining airway patency.