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| − | 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''' (or "windpipe) is the anatomical connection between [[larynx]] and the lungs. It carries air to the rest of the respiratory system. It is a cartilaginous structure with 16- 20 ring [[cartilages]]. |
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| − | 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.
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| − | The air tubes of insects and other arthropods are also called trachea.
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| | == Sources == | | == Sources == |