Trachea

The tube that serves as the main airway, allowing air to flow to and from the lungs.

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a cylindrical structure made of cartilage and smooth muscle that transports air from the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs. It is lined with a mucous membrane that helps trap particles and pathogens, facilitating their removal from the respiratory tract.

Terminologia Anatomica

trachea

System

Respiratory system

Function

The primary function of the trachea is to provide a clear, open passageway for air to move in and out of the lungs during respiration. It plays a critical role in the respiratory system by ensuring that the air we breathe can quickly reach the bronchi, where it is further distributed to the alveoli for gas exchange. The trachea is also equipped with ciliated epithelial cells that help keep the airway clear; these tiny hair-like structures move mucus and trapped debris upward towards the throat, where it can be swallowed or expelled. This defensive mechanism is essential in protecting the lungs from infection and irritants, maintaining overall respiratory health.

Location

The trachea is located in the neck and upper chest region, beginning just below the larynx (voice box) and extending down to the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra, which is situated in the upper part of the chest. It passes through the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, and bifurcates into the right and left main bronchi at its lower end, entering each lung. The trachea is anterior to the esophagus and is approximately 10 to 12 centimeters long in adults, with a diameter of about 2 to 2.5 centimeters.

Did You Know?

The trachea is supported by C-shaped rings of cartilage that prevent it from collapsing during exhalation.
The inner surface of the trachea is lined with mucous membranes and cilia that continuously work to keep the airway clear of debris.
In cases of severe respiratory distress, a medical procedure called tracheostomy may be performed to create an alternate airway directly through the neck.