What is the trachea and what is its function?

The trachea is a non-collapsible membrano-cartilaginous tube that serves as the windpipe. It functions as a conduit for air, connecting the larynx to the bronchi in the lower respiratory passage.

Where is the trachea located in the body?

The trachea begins at the lower border of the cricoid cartilage (C6 level) and ends at the lower border of the T4 vertebra, where it bifurcates into bronchi. It spans the neck (cervical region) and superior mediastinum (thoracic region), with position varying between living and cadaver states.

What are the key anatomical relations of the trachea in the thorax?

In the thorax, the trachea is related anteriorly to structures like the arch of aorta and brachiocephalic trunk, posteriorly to the esophagus and vertebral column, on the right to the right lung and azygos vein, and on the left to the arch of aorta and left nerves.

What is the microscopic structure of the trachea?

The trachea's wall consists of layers including mucosa with pseudostratified ciliated epithelium and goblet cells, cartilage with C-shaped hyaline rings and trachealis muscle, and submucosa with areolar tissue and glands.

How is the trachea supplied with blood and nerves?

The trachea receives arterial supply from the inferior thyroid arteries and drains venously into the left brachiocephalic vein. Nerve supply includes parasympathetic fibers (via vagus) for sensory and motor functions, and sympathetic fibers for vasomotor control.

What are some clinical correlations related to the trachea?

Clinically, the trachea is palpable in the suprasternal notch, with deviation indicating mediastinal shift. The carina initiates the cough reflex and can show blunting on bronchoscopy. Mucociliary clearance involves goblet cells and cilia to trap and remove particles.

How does tracheal size vary with age?

Tracheal dimensions change with age: length is 10–12 cm in adults, internal diameter is 12 mm in adults but only 3 mm in newborns. During childhood, the diameter approximates age in millimeters (e.g., 5 mm at 5 years old).

Trachea – Anatomy, Rings, Relations & Clinical

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