Respiratory system in a young child from the ENT sphere to the diaphragm. In children, the respiratory structures are smaller than in adults, for example, the size of the lungs. They are shorter, like the length of the windpipe. But they are also narrow like the diameter of the trachea and bronchi. Finally, the palate, as well as the diaphragm, are more horizontal than in adults. They are closer to each other. The mucous membranes are thinner and more fragile. These anatomical peculiarities explain why infections spread easily and rapidly increase the respiratory efforts of the child.