The Trachea (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Conditions, and More Human Anatomy Picture of the Trachea © 2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube about 4 inches long and less than an inch in diameter in most people. The trachea begins just under the larynx (voice box) and runs down behind the breastbone (sternum). The trachea then divides into two smaller tubes called bronchi: one bronchus for each lung. The trachea is composed of about 20 rings of tough cartilage. The back part of each ring is made of muscle and connective tissue. Moist, smooth tissue called mucosa lines the inside of the trachea. The trachea widens and lengthens slightly with each breath in, returning to its resting size with each breath out. Trachea Conditions Tracheal stenosis: Inflammation in the trachea can lead to scarring and narrowing of the windpipe. Surgery or endoscopy may be needed to correct the narrowing (stenosis), if severe.

Tracheoesophageal fistula : An abnormal channel forms to connect the trachea and the esophagus. Passage of swallowed food from the esophagus into the trachea causes serious lung problems. Tracheal foreign body: An object is inhaled (aspirated) and lodges in the trachea or one of its branches. A procedure called bronchoscopy is usually needed to remove a foreign body from the trachea. Tracheal cancer: Cancer of the trachea is quite rare. Symptoms can include coughing or difficulty breathing. Tracheomalacia: The trachea is soft and floppy rather than rigid, usually due to a birth defect. In adults, tracheomalacia is generally caused by injury or by smoking. Tracheal obstruction: A tumor or other growth can compress and narrow the trachea, causing difficulty breathing. A stent or surgery is needed to open the trachea and improve breathing. Trachea Tests Flexible bronchoscopy : An endoscope (flexible tube with a lighted camera on its end) is passed through the nose or mouth into the trachea. Using bronchoscopy, a doctor can examine the trachea and its branches.

Rigid bronchoscopy : A rigid metal tube is introduced through the mouth into the trachea. Rigid bronchoscopy is often more effective than flexible bronchoscopy, but it requires deep anesthesia. Computed tomography ( CT scan ): A CT scanner takes a series of X-rays, and a computer creates detailed images of the trachea and nearby structures. Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI scan ): An MRI scanner uses radio waves in a magnetic field to create images of the trachea and nearby structures. Chest X-ray : A plain X-ray can tell if the trachea is deviated to either side of the chest. An X-ray might also identify masses or foreign bodies. Chapter 21: The esophagus, trachea and main bronchi Chapter 21: The esophagus, trachea and main bronchi Thoracic part of esophagus The esophagus (figs. 21-1 , 21-2 and 21-3 ) has cervical, thoracic, and abdominal parts, extending from the lower end of the pharynx (C6 vertebrae) to the cardiac opening of the stomach (T11 or 12 vertebral level).

When a subject is in the erect position, it is about 25 to 30 cm long. The esophagus is a median structure that lies first behind the trachea and then behind the left atrium. It begins to deviate to the left below the left main bronchus. In the posterior mediastinum it is related to the vertebral column as a string is related to a bow. Hence there is a (retrocardiac) space between it and the vertebrae, which is visible radiographically in oblique and lateral views. The esophagus has constrictions (1) at its commencement, (2) frequently where it is crossed by the left main bronchus, and (3) commonly where it traverses the diaphragm. These are sites where swallowed objects can lodge notwithstanding the fact that the esophagus is distensible and can accommodate almost anything that can be swallowed, e.g., a denture. The impressions of adjacent structures, and their alterations in disease, can be seen radiographically after barium is swallowed (fig. 21-3 ). The esophagus transports food and liquid and can be replaced successfully by a non-muscular tube.

The muscular layer is striated above (supplied by the vagi) and smooth below (supplied by parasympathetic, or vagal, and sympathetic fibers). The process of swallowing may be watched fluoroscopically. A thin barium meal or liquid is "shot down" to the cardiac orifice, whereas a thick meal or a bolus of food travels more slowly. The esophagus is supplied by arteries in the neck (inferior thyroid arteries), thorax (bronchial arteries, direct branches of the aorta, and phrenic arteries), and abdomen (left gastric artery). Veins of the lower part of the esophagus communicate with the left gastric vein, thereby forming an important portal-systemic anastomosis. Portal obstruction (e.g., in the liver with cirrhosis) causes these channels to enlarge, and their varicosities may produce hemorrhage. Pain fibers from the esophagus accompany the sympathetic system. A vague, deep-seated, esophageal pain may be felt behind the sternum or in the epigastrium, and it resembles that arising from the stomach or heart ("heartburn").

In esophagoscopy, measurements are taken from the upper incisor teeth to indicate the beginning of the esophagus (18 cm), the point at which it is crossed by the left bronchus (28 cm), and its termination (43 cm). Trachea The trachea, or windpipe (figs. 21-1 and 21-2 ), which has cervical and thoracic parts, extends from the inferior end of the larynx (C6 vertebra) to its point of bifurcation (between T5 and 7 vertebral level). It is about 9 to 15 cm in length. The trachea descends anterior to the esophagus, enters the superior mediastinum, and divides into right and left main bronchi. The trachea is a median structure but, near its lower end, deviates slightly to the right, resulting in the left main bronchus crossing anterior to the esophagus. Owing to the translucency of the air within it, the trachea is usually visible above the arch of the aorta in radiographs.

The trachea has 15 to 20 C-shaped bars of hyaline cartilage that prevent it from collapsing. Longitudinal elastic fibers enable the trachea to stretch and descend with the roots of the lungs during inspiration. When a subject is in the erect position, the trachea divides between the T5 and T7 vertebral levels. The carina is the upward-directed ridge seen internally at the bifurcation and is a landmark during bronchoscopy. The arch of the aorta is at first anterior to the trachea and then on its left side immediately superior to the left main bronchus. Other close relations include the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries. The trachea is supplied mainly by the inferior thyroid arteries. Its smooth muscle is supplied by parasympathetic and sympathetic fibers, and pain fibers are carried by the vagi. Main bronchi Each main bronchus extends from the tracheal bifurcation to the hilus of the' corresponding lung.

The right main bronchus may be considered as having (1) an upper (eparterial) part, from which the segmental bronchi for the upper lobe arise, and (2) a lower part, from which the segmental bronchi for the middle and lower lobes emerge (fig. 21-4 ). The left main bronchus divides into two lobar bronchi, one each for the upper and lower lobes. The upper lobar bronchus may be considered as having (1) an upper division and (2) a lower, or lingular, division. The right main bronchus, about 2.5 cm in length, is shorter, wider, and more nearly vertical than the left. Because it is in almost a direct line with the trachea, foreign objects traversing the trachea are more likely to enter the right main bronchus. The left main bronchus, 5 cm or more in length, crosses anterior to the esophagus (fig. 21-2 ), which it indents. Both bronchi have cartilaginous rings that are replaced by separated plates at the roots of the lungs.

The bronchi are supplied by the bronchial arteries and veins, and their innervation is similar to that of the trachea. Additional reading Terracol, J., and Sweet, R. H., Diseases of the Esophagus, W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1958. A general reference with an extensive bibliography. Questions 21-1 What lies anterior to the esophagus in the lower part of the thorax? 21-1 The left atrium lies anterior to the esophagus in the lower part of the thorax. Dilatation of the left atrium can be detected radiographically because of compression of a barium-coated esophagus. 21-2 Where does the trachea divide? 21-2 The trachea divides at the level of thoracic vertebrae 5 to 7 in a subject in the erect position. This would be approximately behind the middle of the body of the sternum. 21-3 How does the right main bronchus differ from the left? 21-3 The right main bronchus is shorter, wider, and more nearly vertical than the left, and it is more likely to receive foreign objects.

Figure legends Figure 21-1 The trachea and esophagus in relation to vertebral and sternal levels in a subject in the erect position. Figure 21-2 The relations of the trachea, bronchi, esophagus, and aorta to one another. In the right anterior oblique view, the right lobar and segmental bronchi are omitted because they are not clearly visible in radiographs of this view. For similar reasons, the left lobar and segmental bronchi are omitted from the left anterior oblique view. The horizontal line indicates the level of the carina. Figure 21-3 Oblique (R.A.O.) view of thorax. The esophagus is shown coated with barium. Note the vertical folds of the mucosa and the indentations produced by the arch of the aorta (upper white arrow) and by the left main bronchus (lower white arrow). Note also the right and left domes of the diaphragm (on the left and right sides of the illustration, respectively) and the fluid level in the stomach (black arrow).

(From Bassett, D.L., A Stereoscopic Atlas of Human Anatomy, Sawyer's, Portland, Oregon, 1958. Copyright 1958, Sawyer's Inc.) Figure 21-4 The main, lobar, and segmental bronchi. See also table 22-1 . Jump to: Levaquin Trachea Injuries bone and joint infections Levaquin® Is a Controversial Drug Levaquin® is the brand name of a prescription antibacterial drug, part of a group of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. The generic name for Levaquin® is levofloxacin, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 for treating the ailments listed above. Fluoroquinolones are the most commonly prescribed antibacterial drugs in the U.S. Sadly, they have been linked to very serious side effects, including tracheal injuries. As antibacterials, fluoroquinolones are similar to antibiotics, but they're not exactly the same.

In 2008, after years' worth of adverse-effects reports concerning Levaquin®, the FDA finally issued a new requirement for a "black box" warning on Levaquin® packaging that warns doctors and patients about the danger of tendon injuries (such as tendon rupture and tendonitis) presented by Levaquin®. Tracheal Injuries The trachea is more commonly known as the windpipe, the airway that begins at the larynx (the "voice box") and goes to the left and right bronchi, taking the air down to the bronchial tubes in the lungs. The word "trachea" (pronounced "tray-kee-ah") comes from the Greek word tracheia, which means "rough." The inside of the trachea is indeed rather rough, or corrugated. When a tracheostomy is performed, an artificial opening is made in the neck and a tube is inserted for air to pass through, to ease the breathing of an individual. A tracheostomy is often done as an emergency procedure, but it may also be done for someone with a chronic tracheobronchial-related breathing problem.

A fluoroquinolone such as Levaquin® may be used to fight infection in the patient, but the reported Levaquin®-linked tracheal injuries highlight the risk of this use for Levaquin®. If You Have Suffered a Levaquin® Trachea Injury If you suspect that you have suffered a Levaquin®-related tracheal injury, it's in your best interest to consult an attorney who represents individuals that have been harmed by dangerous or defective drugs. You can schedule a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable levaquin lawyer , and learn about your legal rights. You may be eligible for compensation for losses such as medical bills, lost work time, and damaged quality of life. The Respiratory System (Structure and Function) (Nursing) Part 1 In Depth Tutorials and Information The Respiratory System (Structure and Function) (Nursing) Part 1 Learning Objectives 1. Differentiate between internal and external respiration. 2. Describe the anatomic relationships between the larynx, trachea, and esophagus. 3. Name and describe the ways in which the respiratory system is protected. 4.

Diagram the path of air flow in and out of the lungs, identifying the structures involved and their functions. 5. Explain how the mechanisms of inspiration and expiration occur. 6. Describe the pleura and its function. 7. Describe two regulators of breathing and how they function. 8. Describe how the exchange of gases takes place in the alveoli of the lungs. 9. Describe effects of aging on the respiratory system and their nursing implications. IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY RV Vt The respiratory system is responsible for drawing air (containing oxygen) into the lungs, exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide, and removing carbon dioxide and other gaseous wastes. The lungs depend on the cardiovascular system to contribute actively to the process of gas exchange and to deliver oxygen at the cellular level. Respiration is the exchange of gases between a person’s external environment and the body’s internal cells. Respiration refers to three processes: ventilation (breathing), gas exchange (in the alveoli of the lungs and in the cells of the body), and oxygen and carbon dioxide transportation (for metabolism, body processes, and waste removal).

The air a person takes in through the respiratory system contains approximately 21% oxygen and 0.4% carbon dioxide, and under normal circumstances, this provides an ample oxygen supply for a person’s needs. The air that a person exhales still contains approximately 16% oxygen, but has an increased amount of carbon dioxide (approximately 4.5%). Structure and Function The functions of the respiratory system (Box 25-1) include taking oxygen from the atmosphere, exchanging it for carbon dioxide from the body, and assisting with the regulation of the body’s pH. The respiratory system depends on the circulatory system to transport gases and on the nervous system to receive chemical and nervous stimuli at the brain’s respiratory centers to initiate and control respirations. Figure 25-1 illustrates the respiratory system. BOX 25-1.

Functions of the Respiratory System Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide Exchange ♦ Takes in oxygen from outside air ♦ Exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen in lungs ♦ Exchanges oxygen for carbon dioxide at the cellular level ♦ Eliminates carbon dioxide from body Acid-Base Balance ♦ Assists in regulating body’s pH ♦ Eliminates some water ♦ Warms and moistens air before it enters lungs ♦ Mucus in nose traps foreign particles ♦ Coughing and sneezing dislodge foreign particles ♦ Yawning and swallowing help equalize pressures between inner ear and atmosphere Speech Production ♦ Air passes over vocal cords to produce sound NCLEX Alert The respiratory system involves the life-sustaining priorities of Airway and Breathing. Be alert to the terminology of normal and abnormal respiratory functioning. UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and trachea. Figure 25-2 illustrates the upper respiratory tract. These structures serve as pathways for air to enter and exit the lungs, where exchange of gases takes place. The upper respiratory tract is the entrance to the “conducting area” of the respiratory system.

Nose Air enters the body through the right and left external nares or nostrils. If for some reason the nares become occluded (e.g., packing of the nose, a foreign object, or swelling), a person can breathe air through the mouth. The nasal septum, a structure consisting of bone and cartilage, divides the internal nose into two sides or cavities. The nerve endings in the septum and in the nasal passages are responsible for the sense of smell. The olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) carries these nerve impulses to the brain. FIGURE 25-1 · The respiratory system. Top, upper respiratory structures and the structures of the thorax. Bottom (left), an enlarged section of the lung showing the alveoli and capillary exchange and (right) a horizontal cross section of both lungs indicating the visceral and parietal pleurae and surrounding bones. FIGURE 25-2 · Anatomy of the upper respiratory tract. Mucous membrane, richly supplied with blood vessels, lines the nasal cavity. The blood vessels aid in warming and moistening air before it reaches the lungs. Sticky mucus traps dust particles, dirt, and microorganisms from the air.

Hairs at the entrance of the nostrils and cilia (tiny hair-like projections) on the membranes serve as filters to remove some foreign particles that otherwise might be carried to the lungs. The cilia all beat in one direction, channeling mucus from the upper respiratory tract into the throat. (Most secreted mucus is swallowed into the digestive system, where hydrochloric acid from the stomach destroys many pathogens.) Three small bones, the turbinates or conchae, project into the nasal cavity to increase the surface area of the mucous membrane. This increased surface area helps in the warming and filtering of room air. The nasolacrimal ducts, or tear ducts from the eyes, open into the upper nasal cavities, adding lubrication and also causing the “runny nose” that often accompanies crying. (Cartilage is present in the system from the nose to the small bronchi.) Sinuses Four cavities called sinuses are found on each side of the nasal area (a total of eight). Mucosa that is continuous with the nasal mucosa lines these sinuses. Sinuses lighten the skull and provide resonance for the voice. The names of the sinuses correspond with the facial bones in which they are situated.

The two largest sinuses are the frontal sinuses (one on each side above the eye socket) and the maxillary sinuses (one on each side of the nose, in conjunction with the maxillary bone). The ethmoidal sinuses lie between the eyes, and the sphenoidal sinuses lie on each side of the nasal cavity in the area of the orbit (eye socket). Figures 25-1 and 25-2 show several sinus cavities. Nursing Alert The sinuses drain directly into the nasal cavities, which drain into the throat. Because of the direct connection between the sinus cavities and the nasal mucosa, infection in one area can easily spread to the other Excess sinus secretions are often present in a head cold. Pharynx Air travels from the nose to the pharynx, a tube-shaped passage for air and food. Consult Figures 25-1 and 25-2 as you read the following descriptions. Nasopharynx The section of the pharynx that extends from the nares to the uvula is called the nasopharynx. It is a passageway for air only.

In childhood, it contains the adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils) (not shown in the adult pictured). The adenoids are located in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx and, along with the tonsils, assist the body in its immune response to foreign invaders.Enlargement of the adenoids can cause snoring or obstruction of the upper airway. Only rarely does an adult have adenoids; when an individual approaches adulthood, the adenoids usually atrophy (waste away). During the act of swallowing, the soft palate and uvula elevate to block the nasal cavity, preventing food from entering the respiratory system. The auditory (eustachian) tubes connect the nasopharynx with the middle ear (see Fig. 21-3). These eustachian tubes permit air to enter or to leave the middle ear cavities, permitting proper functioning of the tympanic membranes (eardrums) and equalizing pressures between the external environment and the middle ear. Oropharynx The oropharynx is the part of the pharynx extending from the uvula to the epiglottis.

Commonly called the “throat,” the oropharynx carries food to the esophagus and air to the trachea. Two sets of tonsils are in the oropharynx: the two palatine tonsils are located posteriorly, on each side of the oral cavity, and the lingual tonsils are located at the base of the tongue. The palatine tonsils are the ones commonly removed during a tonsillectomy (see Fig. 25-2). These two sets of tonsils encircle the throat and have a role in the immune system (in addition to the adenoids). Their function is to destroy foreign substances that are inhaled or ingested. Laryngopharynx The laryngopharynx is the lowest portion of the pharynx. It extends from the epiglottis to its division into two separate passageways, the larynx (for air) and the esophagus (for food). Larynx (Voice Box) From the pharynx, air passes into the larynx, a box-like structure made of cartilages held together by ligaments.

The function of the cartilages in the larynx is to keep the airway open at all times. (The largest and most prominent cartilage, particularly in males, is the thyroid cartilage or laryngeal prominence, commonly known as the “Adam’s apple.”) The larynx is located in the midline of the neck. Nursing Alert In the event of a blocked air way a tracheotomy may be needed. This is an artificial opening, either temporary or permanent, into the trachea. The larynx serves as an air passageway between the pharynx and the trachea. Although the pharynx acts as a dual passageway for air and food, only air is allowed to pass into the larynx. A lid or cover of cartilage called the epiglottis (“trap door cartilage”) guards the entrance to the larynx. The epiglottis automatically closes when swallowing, preventing food from entering the lower respiratory passage. The glottis is the vocal structure of the larynx, consisting of the true vocal cords and their related openings.

Nursing Alert If a portion of food accidentally becomes lodged in the larynx, coughing can usually dislodge it. If not, the air passage may be blocked; such a blockage can be fatal unless proper emergency treatment is given. (Nurses are most often trained in treating obstructed airway and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.) Vocal Cords Within the larynx are the vocal cords (vocal folds), two thin, triangle-shaped reed-like folds (see Fig. 25-2). One end of each cord is attached to the front wall of the trachea; the other end is attached to a tiny cartilage near the back wall of the trachea. These cartilages can move to produce many sounds or can be spread apart to allow silent breathing. As air leaves the lungs and passes over the vocal cords when they are close together, the cords vibrate, and the vibration produces sound, in much the same manner as that of a reed organ. The size of the vocal cords and the larynx varies, accounting for the difference in people’s voices. A man usually has a larger larynx—and therefore a deeper voice—than most women.

A voice becomes louder and stronger when a lot of air is forced out rapidly. Trachea (Windpipe) Air passes from the larynx into the trachea, a tube approximately 4.5 inches (11 cm) long and 1 inch in diameter in adults. It consists of C-shaped hyaline cartilage and connective tissue and extends from the lower end of the larynx into the chest cavity behind the heart. Here, smooth muscles begin to assist in the passage of air. Immediately posterior to the larynx and the trachea is the tube called the esophagus,which transports food from the pharynx to the stomach.The trachea’s horseshoe-shaped cartilaginous rings provide sufficient rigidity to keep it open at all times for air to pass through. The rings are flexible enough, however, to permit bending of the neck. At the bottom of the trachea, the single tubular system begins to branch (see Fig. 25-1). By the time the tubes reach the alveoli in the lungs, they have branched 20-23 times. Ciliated mucous membrane lines the trachea.

As in the nose, mucus in the trachea traps inhaled foreign particles, which waves of cilia carry out of the respiratory tract through the pharynx. Key Concept The respiratory tract is a common site of infections. Upper respiratory infections (URI) are among the most common infections in the world. What is the Cricoid Cartilage? (with pictures) What is the Cricoid Cartilage? Last Modified Date: 18 December 2016 Copyright Protected: Can you see through these real-life optical illusions? The cricoid cartilage is a ring-shaped structure that forms the lowermost portion of the larynx , which is commonly known as the voice box. Cartilage is a very tough connective tissue that covers the joint ends of bones and acts as a surface for articulation, allowing the joints to move smoothly. It is not as rigid as bone and partially or fully forms some of the flexible structures of the body. These structures include the external ear, the septum or dividing wall of the nose, the connections between the ribs and the sternum and the multiple horseshoe-shaped structures that provide shape, support and some protection for the trachea , more commonly known as the windpipe.

All tracheal cartilage except for the cricoid cartilage completely wraps around the windpipe and easily can be felt in the front of the neck. To do so, it usually is best to begin by touching the middle part of the neck to palpate the voice box, where strong vibrations of the vocal cords can be felt during speech. The structure directly underneath is the cricoid cartilage, which, although flexible, also is rigid in adults. Children have a much less rigid cricoid cartilage that will harden as they mature. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are among the health care providers that most frequently must ensure an open airway and adequate respiration in emergency medical situations when providing care for a patient who might require what is known as endotracheal intubation. This refers to the invasive insertion of a tube into the trachea for complete control of the airway and superior ventilation. During this procedure, an EMT or paramedic often will apply what is called cricoid pressure.

The application of direct pressure on the cricoid cartilage by pressing with the index finger and thumb compresses the esophagus , which is the structure that leads to the stomach and sits directly behind the trachea. There are two reasons for applying pressure to the cricoid cartilage. It reduces the risks of a patient vomiting during intubation, which can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia . It also brings the vocal cords into the view of the medic performing the procedure. This allows him or her to avoid the danger of accidentally inserting the endotracheal tube into the patient's esophagus instead of into the windpipe. A study of the respiratory system that includes graphic images or detailed diagrams should show the exact location and appearance of the cricoid cartilage. Ad It is the only complete ring cartilage surrounding the trachea. MissCourt Post 4 Wow I feel stupid. Guess I shouldn't have slept through class. I didn't know that cartilage was inside of our bodies so much. I thought that the only areas of our bodies that used it was in our nose and ears. I guess I should read a couple of medical books or something.

My first aid class explained choking hazards and how tracheotomies, but nothing as complicated as how to locate the patient's voice box. I'm kind of happy that he didn't, because I think that should be left to professionals! Saraq90 Post 3 @Tomislav - It does sound like it should be tougher, but I imagine in the end it is safer for us not to have any bones because if we were to break a bone in our voice box then the only thing stopping a loose piece of bone from going into our lungs would be our vocal folds! And I wonder how much tougher the larynx area could be - it is made with nine cartilage areas, and our windpipe is made from cartilage as well! There is a bone called the hyoid bone that is not a part of the larynx but is connected to the area, but that is as close as you get to a bone in the larynx or voice box area.

Tomislav Post 2 @speechie - I have not tried to perform the procedure as I was just a patient and am happy to report that the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor that I went to; performed the procedure and I was quickly scoped and out of there. He did teach me a little about my voice box so I was curious as to this cricoid cartilage that he talked about, I had always pictured the voice "box" as being tougher therefore made from bone as opposed to cartilage. Are there any bones surrounding the cricoid cartilage or voice box? Speechie Post 1 I understand the importance of finding the cricoid cartilage area as one of my classmates was practicing scoping the vocal folds (which is inserting a tube with a camera on the end into another's airway to view the vocal folds). My classmate ended up missing my voice box completely and going into the esophagus. Those around us could see the camera light glowing beneath my skin almost down to my collarbone area (or maybe it just felt that low to me). Luckily the only danger in missing the voice box for me was a bit of a coughing fest as you can imagine!

Has anyone else had trouble finding the cricoid cartilage and the voice box area while performing the scoping procedure? Post your comments Trachea | Article about trachea by The Free Dictionary Trachea | Article about trachea by The Free Dictionary (trā`kēə) or windpipe, principal tube that carries air to and from the lungs. It is about 4 1-2 in. (11.4 cm) long and about 3-4 in. (1.9 cm) in diameter in the adult. It extends from the larynx larynx , organ of voice in mammals. Commonly known as the voice box, the larynx is a tubular chamber about 2 in. (5 cm) high, consisting of walls of cartilage bound by ligaments and membranes, and moved by muscles. The human larynx extends from the trachea, or windpipe. ..... Click the link for more information. to the bronchial tubes and is situated in front of the esophagus (see respiration respiration, process by which an organism exchanges gases with its environment.

The term now refers to the overall process by which oxygen is abstracted from air and is transported to the cells for the oxidation of organic molecules while carbon dioxide (CO2 ..... Click the link for more information. ). The trachea consists of a supporting layer of connective and muscular tissue in which are embedded 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 discharged from the body. The air tubes of insects and other arthropods are also called trachea. Trachea an organ of the respiratory tract in vertebrates, including man, that is situated between the larynx and bronchi. In amphibians, the trachea is not divided into bronchi, as the lungs start at the trachea. Nor is it separate from the larynx in all species; for example, it is absent in tailless amphibians, where the lungs start at the trachea.

In tailed amphibians, the trachea is usually long and has paired cartilages that sometimes grow together. In reptiles, birds, and mammals, the trachea is distinctly separate from the larynx and is divided into bronchi. The length of the trachea is directly proportional to the length of the neck and inversely proportional to the length of the bronchi. The trachea in reptiles consists of closed or horseshoe-shaped cartilaginous rings, while in birds it usually consists of closed, partially ossified rings, which in some species form numerous windings and widenings that together reverberate sound. In many birds, the lower rings form the syrinx. In mammals, the trachea consists of cartilaginous half-rings; closed rings are found in beavers, agoutis, flying lemurs, and representatives of the genus Lemur. The dorsal side of the trachea is usually membranous and contiguous with the esophagus. In whales and Sirenia, the cartilages partly fuse together to form a type of spiral. The trachea is usually divided into two bronchi in the thorax.

A supplementary bronchus usually branches off the trachea in toothed whales, ruminants, and swine. The human trachea or windpipe is a direct continuation of the larynx. It is a tube 11–13 cm long, consisting of 16–20 cartilaginous half-rings that are joined by fibrous connective tissue. It is lined with a mucous membrane. The submucous layer contains many mixed mucous glands. Inflammation of the tracheal mucosa is called tracheitis. Trachea (1) A respiratory organ of terrestrial arthropods in the form of an air-conveying tubule that threads through the body and opens at the body surface, forming a spiracle or stigma. Tracheae are deep invaginations in the body surface and are lined with a thin layer of chitin, which forms a supportive spiral filament that prevents collapse of the tubule walls. In insects and solpugids, extremely slender branchings of the tracheae, tracheoles, thread through the entire body, entwining the organs and even penetrating the interiors of some cells.

Thus, oxygen is delivered directly to the site where it is required, and gases are exchanged without the help of a circulatory system. Many arthropods with highly developed tracheal systems make respiratory movements, such as rhythmic contractions and expansions of the abdomen. In more primitive myriapods and insects, almost all segments of the body have a pair of tracheal bundles and stigmata. In centipedes and most insects, bundles of tracheae that are at first independent later unite as larger longitudinal bundles to form a single respiratory system, and some segments lack stigmata. Many arachnids breathe by means of tracheae, for example, solpugids, phalangids, pseudoscorpions, and many spiders, ticks, and mites. The tracheae and stigmata of these arachnids are located in various parts of the body and are developed independently in the evolutionary process, so that they are not homologous. The tracheae of terrestrial arthropods of other classes also originated independently.

In the Onycho-phora, primitive tracheae are represented by numerous bundles of extremely slender tubules, which open into a common stigma; the stigmata are distributed in more or less disorderly fashion throughout the entire body. Some oniscoideans have rudimentary tracheae in the form of tubular branched invaginations on the surfaces of the exopodites of the anterior abdominal legs. (2) In plants, water-conveying vessels of the xylem. REFERENCES Dogel’, V. A. Sravnitel’naia anatomiia bespozvonochnykh, part 1. Leningrad, 1938. Pages 411–35. Beklemishev, V. N. Osnovy sravnitel’noi anatomii bespozvonochnykh, 3rd ed., vol. 2. Moscow, 1964. Pages 54–60. A. V.

I Breathing Problem in Short-Nose Breed Dogs | petMD Breathing Problem in Short-Nose Breed Dogs Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome is the medical term related to various upper airway problems found in short-nosed, flat-faced dog breeds such as the Pekingese . A brachycephalic (meaning to having a short, broad head) breed may experience partial obstruction of the upper airway due to physical characteristics such as narrowed nostrils, an overly long soft palate, or collapse of the voice box (also known as the larynx). Breathing difficulties may also occur because of an abnormally small windpipe (or trachea), another characteristic common to brachycephalic breeds. Some of the more common brachycephalic breeds are the pug , bulldog , boxer , chihuahua , and shih tzu . The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

Symptoms and Types Symptoms of an obstructed upper airway may include snoring, rapid breathing (or tachypnea), noisy breathing when inhaling, frequent panting, difficulty eating or swallowing, coughing and gagging, inability to perform physical activity, especially in warm, humid weather, and occasionally physical collapse. A physical examination may reveal further indications, such as stenotic nares (narrowed nasal passages), abnormally high body temperature (or hyperthermia), and increased respiratory effort evident by open-mouth breathing and constant panting. Causes Brachycephalic airway syndrome stems from the dog's unique head shape, which is inherited at birth. Most dogs are diagnosed as young adults, generally by age three. A characteristic reported in nearly 100 percent of cases of dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome is an elongated soft palate. Narrowed nasal passages is also reported in about about 50 percent of all cases of dogs suffering from brachycephalic airway syndrome. Factors that may increase the risk and further complicate the condition further include obesity , allergies, over-excitement, and exercise, which may cause rapid breathing that the obstructed airway can not manage.

These problems worsen in warm, humid weather, which can lead to excessive panting. Diagnosis If brachycephalic airway syndrome is suspected, two primary diagnostic tests that will be used are a laryngoscopy (or pharyngoscopy) and tracheoscopy, in which a small fiber-optic scope is inserted through the mouth to examine the larynx/pharynx and trachea. This can reveal characteristics such as an overlong palate or collapsed trachea (commonly known as the wind pipe) or larynx (voice box). Other possible diagnoses include the presence of a foreign body that is obstructing the airway, an infection in the upper respiratory system, and allergic reaction that has caused the airway to swell. Collapse of the Wind Pipe in Dogs | petMD Collapse of the Wind Pipe in Dogs Tracheal Collapse in Dogs The trachea is the large tube that carries air from the nose and throat to the small airways (bronchi) that go to the lungs. Collapse of the trachea occurs when there is a narrowing of the tracheal cavity (lumen) during breathing.

This condition may affect the part of the trachea that is located in the neck (cervical trachea), or the lower part of the trachea, located in the chest (intrathoracic trachea). Though tracheal collapse can occur in dogs of any age or breed, it appears to be more common in Miniature poodles, Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and other small and toy breeds. Symptoms and Types Symptoms of tracheal abnormalities seem to be aggravated by heat, excitement, exercise or obesity. The following symptoms are commonly observed in affected animals: Unproductive efforts to vomit (retching) Abnormally rapid breathing Inabiity to perform routine exercises Bluish colored membranes Chronic disease involving the airways More common in obese or in those animals dealing with respiratory infection or airway obstruction Diagnosis You will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health, including a background history of symptoms. After taking a detailed history, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination on your dog. The routine laboratory tests will include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, and urinalysis.

The results of the complete blood count may show an abnormally high number of white blood cells (WBCs), indicative of infection. Diagnostic imaging is an essential part of the diagnostic process, since the lungs and trachea will need to be examined as completely as possible. Chest X-ray remains a valuable tool, and may reveal a collapsed trachea as well as to help your veterinarian find the location of collapse. In some cases, enlargement of the right side of the heart may also be found. Fluoroscopy, another advanced diagnostic technique, but one which can provide real time, active images of the internal body, may also be used for your dog. Fluoroscopy works by using an X-ray device placed in front of a fluorescent screen, with the patient on the other side of the screen, so that the physician can see the internal structure in motion, allowing for a more refined image and a more accurate assessment and diagnosis. Your veterinarian may also take a tissue sample from the inside of the trachea for laboratory testing.

This sample will be used to grow the bacteria in the tissue in order to determine if there is any harmful bacteria present in the tracheal tube, and conduct culture testing to see the types of cells that are present in the sample. In order to grade the severity of the collapse, another technique called bronchoscopy can also be used. In this procedure, the bronchoscope, a tubular instrument with a camera attached, is threaded into the trachea and the images are retrieved and relayed onto video equipment where they can be reviewed and assessed in the process of making the diagnosis. Bronchoscopy is a more invasive method than the standard X-rays, but it can give a much more detailed view of the various abnormalities present in the tracheal tube, including foreign bodies, bleeding, inflammation, or tumors inside the airways. Bronchoscopy can also allow for estimating the degree of narrowing in the trachea, which may range from a grade-1 to grade-6 degree, measured on the basis of increasing severity. The bronchoscope can even be used to collect tissue and fluid samples from deeper within the tracheal canal for laboratory testing.

Question: By what name is the trachea more commonly known?
Answer: Wind-pipe