nsTeam1RO, nsTeam1RW, nsTeam1_talkRO, nsTeam1_talkRW
13,818
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Started Article
The '''trachea''' (or "windpipe) is the principal tube that carries air to and from the [[lungs]]. It is about 4 1-2 inches long and about 3-4 inches in diameter in the adult.
The trachea extends from the [[larynx]] to the [[bronchial tube]]s and is situated in front of the [[esophagus]]. It consists of a supporting layer of connective and muscular tissue in which have from 16 to 20 U-shaped rings of hard [[cartilage]] that encircle the front of the tube. Tiny hairs, or [[cilia]], in the [[mucous membrane]] lining keep dust and other foreign particles from entering the lungs. The foreign material becomes trapped in the mucus and is swept by the beating cilia to the [[nose]] or [[mouth]], where it is then discharged from the body.
The air tubes of insects and other arthropods are also called trachea.
== Sources ==
* http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/trachea
[[Category:Anatomy]]
The trachea extends from the [[larynx]] to the [[bronchial tube]]s and is situated in front of the [[esophagus]]. It consists of a supporting layer of connective and muscular tissue in which have from 16 to 20 U-shaped rings of hard [[cartilage]] that encircle the front of the tube. Tiny hairs, or [[cilia]], in the [[mucous membrane]] lining keep dust and other foreign particles from entering the lungs. The foreign material becomes trapped in the mucus and is swept by the beating cilia to the [[nose]] or [[mouth]], where it is then discharged from the body.
The air tubes of insects and other arthropods are also called trachea.
== Sources ==
* http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/trachea
[[Category:Anatomy]]