Question

Define trachea

Answer 1

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tubular structure that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi of the lungs. It serves as a passageway for air to enter and exit the lungs during breathing. The trachea is approximately 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) long in adults and is composed of several C-shaped rings of cartilage that provide structural support, keeping the airway open. The inner lining of the trachea is made up of mucus-secreting cells and cilia, which help trap and expel foreign particles and pathogens from the respiratory tract. The trachea branches into the right and left main bronchi, leading into the lungs where gas exchange occurs.