The trachea is a tubular and cylindrical organ that is part of the respiratory system of mammals. It is located between the larynx and the bronchi. In an adult human being, the trachea measures between 15 and 20 cm and about 1.5 cm in diameter.
Roles
The main functions of the trachea in respiratory system they are: heating, humidifying and filtering the air, in order to carry it to the lungs.
Thus, it retains solid particles and microorganisms through the cilia it contains. Various impurities such as bacteria and dust are trapped in the mucus that lines the windpipes.
Structure: Anatomy and Histology
Trachea and other organs of the respiratory system
The trachea is a hollow, cylindrical vertical tube that is located between the larynx and bronchi. It is a cartilaginous and membranous tube lined with mucous ciliated epithelium.
In its structure it has between 16 to 20 cartilaginous rings which are joined by fibrous tissue, called tracheal cartilages.
Learn more about Cartilage.
Larynx and Esophagus
remember that the larynx it is the main organ of speech, where the vocal cords are present. It is located in the neck, between the pharynx and the trachea.
already the pharynx it is a tubular organ that allows the passage of food and air. Both are part of the respiratory system.
Note that the trachea is located in front of the esophagus, a tubular organ responsible for carrying food to the stomach. This organ is part of the digestive system.
Bronchi and Bronchioles
The bifurcation of the trachea will generate the bronchi. They are two tubular organs of the respiratory system formed by the branches of the trachea that carry air to the lungs. Bronchioles are smaller tubes which branch from the bronchi.
tracheal breathing
THE tracheal breathing it is a type of breathing that occurs in some animals. It gets its name because it is through the tracheas that some arthropods breathe.
tracheostomy
THE tracheostomy it is a surgical intervention performed on people who, for some reason, have some obstruction in the trachea region.
With this procedure it is possible to create a communication with the external environment, thus improving the air passage.
Tracheal Diseases
Several respiratory infections are associated with the trachea, for example:
- Kartagener's disease
- Tracheal Cancer
- Tracheal stenosis
- Malacia of the trachea
- Bacterial Tracheitis
Check issues with commented resolution inexercises on the respiratory system.
