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Human Body Study

Trachea

The windpipe — the main tube carrying air between the larynx and the lungs.

The respiratory tract From the upper airway down through larynx, trachea and bronchial branching into the two lungs, with the diaphragm at the base. A separate inset shows alveoli — the microscopic gas-exchange sacs inside the lungs. Each label links to the article for that part. Alveoli Upper respiratory tract Larynx Trachea Bronchi Lungs Diaphragm The respiratory tract — schematic, not to scale.

Structure

Section titled “Structure”

A flexible tube held permanently open by C-shaped rings of cartilage. Its lining produces mucus and is covered in tiny hairs (cilia).

What it does

Section titled “What it does”
  • Conducts air to and from the lungs.
  • Cleans air — mucus traps particles and cilia sweep them upward to be swallowed or coughed out (the “mucociliary escalator”).

Key idea

Section titled “Key idea”

The trachea’s cartilage rings keep the airway from collapsing, while its mucus-and-cilia lining keeps it clean.