Index
The trachea lies below the larynx and ends behind the breastbone.
It is about four to twelve inches long, or about four to four and a half inches long.
It is about two and a half centimeters or an inch in diameter. Two bronchi, tubes that lead to each lung and branch from the bottom of the windpipe.
It is important to understand how the anatomy of the respiratory system fits and how the trachea works within that system.
Respiratory anatomy
Upper respiratory system
Epiglotis
The epiglottis is located in the upper part of the larynx. Its purpose is to protect the lungs from food particles.
When we swallow, the epiglottis blocks the larynx and allows food to travel down the esophagus . The epiglottis is where the respiratory and digestive systems diverge.
Ethmoidal sinus
The ethmoid sinus is located on the roof of the nose, just below the eyes. Its purpose is to filter the area that travels through our nose by using ethmoid air cells.
This helps prevent particles and bacteria from entering our respiratory system.
Sinus cavities
The sinuses are located above and below the eyes. The sinuses produce mucus, lighten the front of our skull, and improve our voices.
Laryngopharynx
The laryngopharynx is the area where food, water, and air pass. This is where the epiglottis rests when you are eating.
Larynx
The larynx, also called the voice box, rests on the windpipe. Its purpose is to produce the sounds associated with speaking and singing.
This is where the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, vocal cords, vocal ligaments, and circoid cartilage meet.
nasopharynx
The nasopharynx connects the airways of the nose with the airways of the throat. This provides an additional passage for air to travel while you breathe.
Windpipe
The trachea is located between the larynx and the bronchi. Its main purpose is to allow air flow between the head and the lungs.
Lower respiratory system
Bronchi
The bronchi are located in the lower part of the windpipe. The bronchi are classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary bronchi. At the ends of each tertiary bronchus, there are bronchioles.
The smallest bronchioles, called terminal bronchioles, which are where oxygen flows between the conduction zone and the respiratory zone.
Like a tree, the bronchi branch into numerous small branches. These allow air to flow through the lungs as efficiently as possible.
Lungs
The lungs are located around the bronchi. They are lobes that are filled with oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The purpose of the lungs is to carry oxygen into the circulatory system and remove carbon dioxide from the circulatory system. The lungs is where the respiratory and circulatory systems are connected.
The right side of the heart pumps carbon dioxide to the lungs and the left side pumps oxygen to the heart.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is located below the lungs. The purpose of the diaphragm is to be the main muscle of the respiratory system.
When we inhale, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, causing air to enter the body. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and helps push air out of the body.
Function of the trachea
Breathing passage
When we breathe in, oxygen-rich air moves through our upper airways, through the windpipe, and into our lower respiratory system.
When we exhale, carbon dioxide-rich air leaves our body. Without it, our body simply could not breathe.
Regulation of cough
The tracheal muscle allows the trachea to change its shape. This allows our body to cough more forcefully. When you clear your throat, you are using your windpipe to do it.
Cilia, which are hair cells, also influence our response to coughing. When they are agitated, they make us cough.
Size regulation
When eating, the esophagus needs more space. The cartilage rings, made of hyaline cartilage, in the trachea allow the trachea to decrease in size.
This prevents you from choking on your meals.You can feel these C-shaped cartilage rings with your hands.
Position regulation
The connective tissue in the windpipe, called the adventitia, allows the windpipe to change its position in the body. This makes it easier for the body to breathe, by allowing the lungs to expand and contract.
Protection
The trachea is filled with a series of goblet cells. The purpose of these cells is to produce mucus that lines the windpipe. This mucus traps potentially harmful debris as it enters the lungs.
This protective mucosa is carried upwards by the cilia. The mucus that you cough up and spit out is produced by these goblet cells.
When cilia are agitated by foreign bodies that are too large to be captured by mucus, they cause a cough response.
Medical concerns involving your respiratory system and tracheal function
If you find that you have a problem with your respiratory system, speak with a healthcare professional. Medical complications in this region of your body can be life threatening in a matter of moments.
Tracheal problems can be signs of more serious medical problems. This can be due to serious infections, failures in the structure of the windpipe, cancer, or other life-threatening causes.
Your doctor will be able to diagnose these medical problems. They can also give you the medicines you will need. If the need arises, surgery may be required. Do not attempt to self-diagnose medical problems of the trachea.
