Trachea Function

The trachea is also known as the windpipe. It is a bony tube, which connects the nose and mouth to the lungs, hence is an important part of the respiratory system in vertebrates. In other words, the trachea function is to connect the pharynx or larynx to the lungs and allow passage of air to the lungs. The trachea is a rigid muscular tube located in front of the esophagus, which is approximately 4.5 inches long and 1 inch wide. The inner diameter of the trachea is about 21 to 27 millimeters and the length is approximately 10 to 16 centimeters. There are approximately 15 to 20 incomplete C-shaped cartilage rings, which protect the trachea and maintain the airway. The muscles of the trachea are connected to the incomplete rings and contract while coughing, which reduces the size of the lumen of the trachea to increase the flow of air. The cartilages ensure that the larynx and the trachea do not collapse, when there is no air in them.

What is the Trachea Function

It is lined with goblet cells and ciliated epithelial cells, which produce mucus. The mucus moistens the air, when it passes through the respiratory tract. The mucus lines the cells of the windpipe to trap inhaled foreign particles, like dust or bacteria, which have escaped the hair of the nasal cavity. The trapped particles are then either passed through the larynx and the pharynx into the stomach or are expelled as phlegm. The trachea function in the respiratory system is to let the air flow into the lungs for respiration through the trachea. The inward airflow from the trachea branches off to the two bronchi. This is the primary trachea function and structure of the trachea is such, that any damage caused to the trachea can potentially be life-threatening.

The trachea plays an important part in the smooth functioning of the digestive system. It is connected to the same tubing system, which allows a person to swallow. The respiratory system has an evolved mechanism, which prevents choking and respiratory failures. When an object blocks the trachea, the person may experience choking experience. It is with the coughing reflex, that allows the ciliated cells to throw the object out of the trachea and respiratory system.

The trachea is the primary air canal, hence any damage caused to the trachea can impair respiration. In case of damage caused to the trachea, a person may have to undergo a procedure called intubation. In this procedure, a tube is placed in the nose of mouth and down to the trachea to let the air pass to the lungs. If the trachea is fractured or has inflammation, a tracheotomy may have to be performed, so that the air way is cleared for smooth passing of air. In this procedure, performed under general anesthesia, a surgical incision is made in the throat area and a tube is inserted in the hole created for the air to pass. Tracheotomy information will help you to understand the procedure better.

If the trachea is inflamed, a condition known as tracheitis can occur. In this condition there can be inflammation of the linings of the trachea. A condition called tracheo-bronchitis can be caused, when the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi swell. A collapsed trachea is formed as a result of defect in the cartilage, that makes the cartilage unable to support the trachea and results in dry hacking cough. If the connective nerve tissues in the trachea degenerate it causes tracheomalacia. Infections to the trachea can cause tracheomegaly.

From the discussion above it is clear that trachea function is important for normal respiration. In case of any abnormalities in the trachea, different tests may be carried out to ascertain the cause of the problem.