Trachea

Trachea

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the pharynx and larynx to the lungs, allowing the passage of air. It is an essential part of the respiratory system in many air-breathing animals, including humans.

Structure

The trachea is a tube approximately 10 to 12 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. Its wall is made up of incomplete rings of hyaline cartilage, lined with respiratory epithelium. The trachea begins just under the larynx and runs down behind the sternum (breastbone) and then splits into two smaller tubes, the bronchi, at the carina, which lead to the lungs.

Function

The primary function of the trachea is to provide a clear airway for air to enter and exit the lungs. The cartilage rings prevent the trachea from collapsing and blocking the airway. The epithelium lining traps and moves dust and other particles away from the lungs.

Clinical significance

Diseases and conditions that can affect the trachea include tracheitis, tracheal stenosis, tracheomalacia, and tracheobronchomalacia. Tracheal obstruction can be life-threatening. Medical procedures involving the trachea include tracheostomy and tracheal intubation.

See also

• Bronchus
• Larynx
• Pharynx
• Respiratory system

References

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External links

• Healthline - Trachea