What is the Trachea?
The trachea, or windpipe, is the bony tube that connects the nose and mouth to the lungs, and is an important part of the vertebrate respiratory system. When an individual breathes in, air flows into the lungs for respiration through the windpipe. Because of its primary function, any damage incurred to the trachea is potentially life-threatening. The bony skeletal trachea is comprised of cartilage and ligaments, and is located at the front of the neck. The trachea begins at the lower part of the larynx and continues to the lungs, where it branches into the right and left bronchi. It measures 3.9 to 4.7 inches (10-12 cm) in length, and .62 to .7 inches (16-18 mm) in diameter. The trachea is composed of 16 to 20 “c” shaped rings of cartilage connected by ligaments, with a ciliated-lined mucus membrane. It is this structure that helps push objects out of the airway should something become lodged. Because it is connected to the same tubing system that allows an individual to swallow, the r
