Tracheal cartilage

The primary function of tracheal cartilage is to ensure that the trachea remains open, allowing for the uninterrupted passage of air to and from the lungs. This is crucial because a collapse of the trachea during breathing could lead to airway obstruction, making it difficult to breathe. The C-shape of these cartilaginous rings is specially designed to provide rigidity while allowing flexibility; they enable the trachea to expand and contract during breathing. Furthermore, tracheal cartilage aids in protecting the trachea from external pressure, as well as maintaining the patency of the airway during various movements, such as swallowing or changes in body position.

Tracheal cartilage is located in the neck and extends into the upper chest, forming a part of the trachea, which begins just below the larynx at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra and continues downwards, branching into the two primary bronchi that lead to the lungs at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra. The trachea is situated anterior to the esophagus and runs vertically in the midline of the neck, ensuring that these cartilaginous rings effectively maintain the tracheal structure in a vital area for both respiratory and digestive functions.

• The trachea is approximately 10-12 centimeters in length in adults.
• There are typically 16 to 20 C-shaped tracheal cartilages in humans.
• The open part of the C-shaped cartilage rings faces the esophagus, allowing it to expand during swallowing.
• Tracheal cartilage can become calcified with age or in certain diseases, potentially leading to breathing difficulties.