The trachea, or windpipe, is the bony tube that connects the nose and mouth to the lungs, and is an important part of the vertebrate respiratory system. When an individual breathes in, air flows into the lungs for respiration through the windpipe. Because of its primary function, any damage incurred to the trachea is potentially life-threatening.

The bony skeletal trachea is comprised of cartilage and ligaments, and is located at the front of the neck. The trachea begins at the lower part of the larynx and continues to the lungs, where it branches into the right and left bronchi. It measures 3.9 to 4.7 inches (10-12 cm) in length, and .62 to .7 inches (16-18 mm) in diameter. The trachea is composed of 16 to 20 “c” shaped rings of cartilage connected by ligaments, with a ciliated-lined mucus membrane. It is this structure that helps push objects out of the airway should something become lodged.

Because it is connected to the same tubing system that allows an individual to swallow, the respiratory system has evolved a mechanism to prevent choking and respiratory failures. When an object blocks the trachea, choking occurs. The coughing reflex allows the ciliated cells to push the object out of the trachea and out of the respiratory system.

As the primary air canal in the vertebrate system, any damage incurred by the trachea could impair respiration. In the event of damage to the trachea, it may be necessary to undergo a procedure known as intubation. In this procedure, doctors place a tube in the nose or mouth and down to the trachea to get air to the lungs. The presence of fractures or inflammation in the trachea may require that a physician perform a tracheotomy to clear the airway. A tracheotomy, which is performed under general anesthesia, involves making a surgical incision in the throat area that creates a hole in the trachea through which a tube is inserted to provide ventilation.

Inflammation of the trachea can lead to other conditions, such as tracheitis, which is the inflammation of the linings of the trachea. Tracheobronchitis occurs when the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi become swollen, and tracheomalacia occurs when the connective nerve tissue in the trachea degenerates. Infections to the trachea may result in what is referred to as tracheomegaly. A collapsed trachea, resulting from defects in the cartilage which makes the cartilage unable to support the trachea, results in a dry hacking cough. To detect and treat abnormalities associated with the trachea, computer tomography scans, or CT scans, may be used.