The trachea is one of the organs of the respiratory system, and it transports air during inhalation and exhalation. In this article, we will learn about the most important details about it, so read the following lines.

What is the trachea?

The trachea is a U-shaped long tube that connects the larynx and the lungs. It is an essential part of the respiratory system. When breathing, air flows from the nose or mouth through it and then into the bronchi and then the lungs.

The trachea is located below the larynx in the lower neck and upper chest, and when you see the illustrations of it, you find it between the upper lobes of the lungs, and in front of the esophagus.

The shape and structure of the trachea

Here are the most important points of the structure of the Kasbah:

• For most people, they are about 10-11.8 centimeters long, according to figures cited in the sources, and about 2.5 centimeters wide.
• It is connected to the larynx by a cartilage known as the cricoid cartilage.
• It is surrounded by about 16-22 rings of cartilage that facilitate airflow.
• It is lined from the inside with a sticky mucous membrane that prevents dust, small particles, and microorganisms from reaching the lungs. It also contains cilia that push mucus out to expel it from the respiratory tract by swallowing or spitting.
• Between each mucous ring and the other, a certain type of muscle contracts when coughing to expel more air and mucus.
• It contains a large network of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, as blood vessels deliver blood supplies loaded with oxygen and nutrients, while lymphatic vessels help eliminate infectious microbes.

tracheal function

• The primary function of the trachea is to transport air to and from the lungs, as it is an essential organ in the breathing process.
• It plays a role in defending the body against infection, as it contains mucus that prevents microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses from reaching the lungs.
• Regulating the temperature of the air that enters and exits the lungs, as it warms and humidifies the air before entering the lungs on cold days, and cools the air on hot days.

Why is the trachea open?

According to the sources, U-shaped rings of cartilage are flexible as they close and open with the contraction or relaxation of the tiny muscles of the bronchus that occur involuntarily in the normal breathing process. If liquids, food, or any irritants such as smoke or another foreign body accidentally enter, the muscles contract violently, causing coughing to expel it from the respiratory tract.

Tracheal diseases

There are many diseases that may affect the reed, including:

• Tracheal stenosis.
• Tracheal obstruction occurs in the upper respiratory tract, which includes the pharynx, larynx, and trachea.
• Tracheitis: due to infection or a cold that causes coughing.
• Tracheoesophageal fistula is an abnormal connection at one or more sites between the bronchus and the esophagus.
• Tracheomalacia is a weakness of the trachea.
• Tracheal cancer.
• The presence of a foreign body in the airway.

How to maintain a trachea

The following should be followed to maintain the health of the respiratory system and its organs:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Clean the house of dirt and dust regularly.
• Doing exercises that improve the health of the heart and lungs.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Wear a face mask if you are allergic to certain substances in the air, dust, or chemical fumes.
• Try to avoid breathing air pollutants.