Trachea

• The trachea (windpipe) links the upper airways to the lungs. It runs down the neck and into the chest anterior to the esophagus.
• Acts as a basis to differentiate the upper and lower respiratory system.
• The trachea consists of C-shaped rings of cartilage connected by smooth muscle.
• Trachea has the capacity to constrict and dilate. The diameter decreases when constricting and increases when dilating.