Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) corresponds to which type of airway?

• A. Secured airway
• B. Unsecured airway
• C. Additional airway
• D. Noninvasive airway

Answer: (B)

Airway devices are classified by how securely they protect the airway. A laryngeal mask airway sits over the laryngeal inlet and forms a seal around it to allow ventilation, but it does not pass through the vocal cords or provide a definitive, protected airway. That means the airway isn’t fully secured against aspiration, and the device can be displaced with movement or deep anesthesia. For these reasons, the laryngeal mask airway is considered an unsecured airway. It’s useful for short, lower-risk procedures where rapid airway management is needed and there isn’t a high risk of gastric contents entering the airway. In contrast, an endotracheal tube provides a secured airway with protection against aspiration, which is why more invasive airway control is used when airway protection is critical.