Trachea

The trachea (IPA /'treikiə/), or windpipe, is a tube extending from the larynx to the bronchi in mammals, and from the pharynx to the syrinx in birds, carrying air to the lungs. It is lined with ciliated cells which push particles out and cartilage rings which reinforce the trachea and prevent it from collapsing on itself during the breathing process.

Related Topics:
IPA - Larynx - Bronchi - Mammal - Pharynx - Syrinx - Bird - Air - Lung - Cilia - Cartilage

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In ill or injured persons, the natural airway formed by the trachea may be damaged or closed off. Intubation is the medical procedure of inserting an artificial tube into the trachea to permit breathing. See also choking.

Related Topics:
Intubation - Choking

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Diseases of the trachea include:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Tracheobronchitis
• Tracheomalacia
• Tracheal fracture
• Airway obstruction
• Malignancy
 
Trachea: In Insects ►