what is the structure and function of the trachea

Trachea: Everything you need to know

• Anatomy. The trachea is a hollow, tube-like structure that runs from the larynx, or voice box, to the bronchi — the two passageways that connect the trachea to the lungs.
• Function. The primary function of the trachea is to transport air to and from the lungs. ...
• Conditions. Various health conditions can affect the trachea. ...
• Summary. ...

Full Answer

How does the structure of the trachea help in its function?

The posterior wall of the trachea is formed by the trachealis muscle, making the cartilages appear as incomplete C-shaped rings. The structure of its wall makes the trachea sufficiently flexible and elastic to permit the transient expansion of the esophagus during swallowing . The trachea consists of four histological layers.

What is the trachea and what is its function?

What is trachea function. The trachea is a cartilage tube and represents the initial part of the lower respiratory tract. It connects the pharynx and larynx to the lungs and allows normal passage of the air to and from the lungs. This tube is approximately 3.9 to 6.3 inches long and its inner diameter is around 0.83 to 1.1 inches.

What is the main function for the trachea?

Your tracheobronchial tree includes:

• Trachea.
• Bronchi (BRAWN-kai), the large tubes that connect your windpipe and lungs.
• Bronchioles (BRAWN-key-ols), the lower portions of your bronchi that get smaller and spread out through your lungs.

Why each structure of trachea is an adaptation?

The trachea has a number of adaptations: cartilage rings in the walls of the trachea help to keep it open ciliated epithelium and goblet cells to clean the air before it reaches the lungs Goblet...

Where is the trachea located?

The trachea is located in the neck. It starts at the back of the mouth with the larynx and continues into the thoracic cavity. It ends at the bronc...

Is trachea the same as throat?

The trachea is not the same as the throat. The throat contains the trachea, but it also contains other important structures such as the esophagus.

What is the function of trachea?

The trachea functions as a passageway for air to move in and out of the lungs. The trachea also conditions air to the proper temperature and humidi...

How many functions does the trachea have?

The trachea has three major functions within the body:

How does the trachea help the lungs?

The lungs are sensitive organs made up of a network of thin tissues. To prevent damage, the trachea aids in conditioning the air before it enters the lungs. Cold air is warmed, and hot air is cooled. Similarly, humid air is dried via evaporation while dry air receives excess moisture. This ensures ideal air conditions for the lungs to work properly.

What is the trachea made of?

The trachea is composed of pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells , which compose a thick single layer of epithelial cells that appear like alternating triangles. These cells contain cilia, small, hair-like projections and goblet cells which produce mucous. Together, these structures trap small foreign objects and move them up and out of the airway. The trachea also has cartilaginous rings that are c-shaped and composed of hyaline cartilage, which provide structure to the trachea and prevent against collapse while still allowing the esophagus to swallow. Conditions of the trachea typically impair the function of the respiratory system and include:

What are the rings in the trachea?

The trachea's most identifiable feature is the band of cartilaginous rings that line it all the way down to the lungs. These rings are composed of hyaline cartilage, a special kind of cartilage that is found in multiple locations throughout the body and provides both support and flexibility. Observed under a microscope, hyaline cartilage will have a glassy appearance. The cartilage rings in the trachea are not complete circles but are instead c-shaped bands. The opening of the ring presses against the esophagus and allows for the swallowing of food. Imagine if a large object was swallowed and the cartilage bands were complete circles. The food may get caught on the lip of the cartilage and be unable to pass through to the stomach. This would obstruct the respiratory and digestive systems from working properly. The opening in the ring, along with the flexibility of the hyaline cartilage, allow the esophagus to swallow items (even large ones) without obstruction.

What causes a tracheal tube to narrow?

There are countless causes that can result in narrowing of the trachea, though some common causes are the presence of an endotracheal tube, trauma, and inflammation. Tumors arise when tissue in the body grows too quickly and forms a mass. Tracheal tumors can obstruct the airway and make breathing difficult. Tracheomalacia occurs when the cartilage in the trachea becomes weak. This results in a trachea that is no longer rigid and is in danger of collapsing. Infants can be born with tracheomalacia if the trachea is not fully developed at the time of birth. Other common causes of tracheomalacia include emphysema, trauma, and chronic infection.

Which part of the trachea houses the vocal cords?

The larynx and epiglottis make up the entrance to the trachea. The larynx houses the vocal cords.

Is the trachea the same as the throat?

The trachea is not the same as the throat. The throat contains the trachea, but it also contains other important structures such as the esophagus.

What is the function of the trachea?

The trachea also helps regulate the temperature of the air coming in and out of the lungs. On cold days, the trachea helps warm and provide humidity to the air before it reaches the lungs. On hot days, the trachea helps cool the air through evaporation.

Why is trachea important?

It also helps prevent microorganisms, debris, and air that is too cold or too hot from entering the lungs. If a person is having trouble breathing, a health problem may be affecting their trachea, and they should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Last medically reviewed on March 27, 2020. Respiratory.

Why is the back of the trachea softer?

The back of the trachea is softer to allow the esophagus to expand when a person is eating. Due to their proximity, a small piece of cartilage in the larynx automatically covers the opening of the trachea to prevent food or drink from getting into it when the person is eating.

What are the health problems that affect the trachea?

Various health conditions can affect the trachea. In serious cases, a person may have trouble breathing and require immediate medical attention. Tracheomalacia, a condition in which the cartilage of the trachea has broken down, causing weakness or floppiness of the trachea that can affect breathing.

What is the structure that transports air to and from the lungs?

The trachea is a tube-like structure within the neck and upper chest. It transports air to and from the lungs when a person breathes. When a person inhales, air travels through the nose or mouth, down the trachea , and into the lungs. When the lungs expel the air, it travels back up the trachea and out through the mouth or nose.

How long is the trachea?

The average length of the trachea is about 11.8 centimeters. Trusted Source. , and a male’s trachea is typically longer than a female’s. A mucous membrane, similar to those in ...

What is the hairy structure that pushes mucus out of the trachea?

The trachea is also lined with tiny hair-like structures called cilia. These help push mucus that contains debris or pathogens out of the trachea. A person then either swallows or spits out the mucus.

What is the trachea made of?

The trachea is composed of about 20 rings of tough cartilage. The back part of each ring is made of muscle and connective tissue. Moist, smooth tissue called mucosa lines the inside of the trachea. The trachea widens and lengthens slightly with each breath in, returning to its resting size with each breath out.

How big is the trachea?

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube about 4 inches long and less than an inch in diameter in most people. The trachea begins just under the larynx (voice box) and runs down behind the breastbone (sternum). The trachea then divides into two smaller tubes called bronchi: one bronchus for each lung.

What is the best treatment for tracheal tumors?

Silicone or metal stents may be used. Tracheal surgery: Surgery may be best for removing certain tumors obstructing the trachea. Surgery may also correct a tracheoesophageal fistula. Cryotherapy: During bronchoscopy, a tool can freeze and destroy a tumor obstructing the trachea. WebMD Image Collection.

What is the procedure to remove a foreign body from the trachea?

A procedure called bronchoscopy is usually needed to remove a foreign body from the trachea. Tracheal cancer: Cancer of the trachea is quite rare. Symptoms can include coughing or difficulty breathing. Tracheomalacia: The trachea is soft and floppy rather than rigid, usually due to a birth defect.

Why is my trachea soft?

Tracheomalacia: The trachea is soft and floppy rather than rigid, usually due to a birth defect. In adults, tracheomalacia is generally caused by injury or by smoking. Tracheal obstruction: A tumor or other growth can compress and narrow the trachea, causing difficulty breathing.

How to tell if trachea is deviated?

Chest X-ray: A plain X-ray can tell if the trachea is deviated to either side of the chest. An X-ray might also identify masses or foreign bodies. Trachea Treatments. Tracheostomy: A small hole is cut in the front of the trachea, through an incision in the neck.

What can be used to open the trachea?

Sequentially larger rings can also be used to gradually open the trachea. Laser therapy: Blockages in the trachea (such as from cancer) can be destroyed with a high-energy laser. Tracheal stenting: After dilation of a tracheal obstruction, a stent is often placed to keep the trachea open.