Why does the trachea contain rings of cartilage

The mucociliary escalator is one of the most important functions of the trachea and is also considered a barrier component of the immune system due its role in preventing pathogens from entering the lungs. The epithelium and the mucociliary ladder can be damaged by smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption, which can make pneumonia an infection of the alveoli of the lungs from bacteria in the upper respiratory tract more likely to occur due to the loss of barrier function.

As a part of the conducting zone of the lungs, the trachea is important in warming and moistening air before it reaches the lungs. Learning Objectives Describe the anatomic structure of the trachea. Key Points The trachea is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium cells with goblet cells that produce mucus.

There are about 15 to 20 C-shaped cartilaginous rings that reinforce the anterior and lateral sides of the trachea to protect and maintain the airway, leaving a membranous wall pars membranacea dorsally without cartilage where the C-shape is open. The cartilaginous rings are C-shaped to allow the trachea to collapse slightly at the opening so that food can pass down the esophagus.

The trachealis muscle connects the ends of the open part of the C-shaped rings and contracts during coughing, reducing the size of the lumen of the trachea to increase the air flow rate.

The esophagus lies posteriorly to the trachea. The mucocilliary escalator helps prevent pathogens from entering the lungs. They prevent the trachea from collapsing during absence of air and also protect it.

These rings stabilise the trachea and keep it rigid, while allowing the trachea to expand in length when the person breathes. Cartilage is strong but flexible tissue. There are generally 16 to 20 individual cartilages. These C-shaped cartilages are stacked one on top of the other and are open at the area where the trachea is nearest to the oesophagus.

What is the function of the cartilage rings in the trachea? Cartilage is strong but flexible tissue. The tracheal cartilages help support the trachea while still allowing it to move and flex during breathing. There are generally sixteen to twenty individual cartilages in the trachea, which varies from person to person.

These C-shaped cartilages are stacked one on top of the other and are open at the area where the trachea is nearest the esophagus, which leads from the throat to the stomach. Each one is about one to two millimeters thick, with a depth of around four to five millimeters. The tracheal cartilages have an order, starting with the peculiar tracheal cartilages. These are the first and last rings in the trachea.

The first cartilage is broad and divided at the end. It sometimes blends in with the following cartilage, depending on the structure of the trachea. For Patients. Contact the Center for Airway Disorders International Email airway childrens. Complete Tracheal Rings.

What are complete tracheal rings?