Trachea (disambiguation) facts for kids

The trachea is a very important tube in your body that helps you breathe. It's often called the windpipe. It connects your throat to your lungs, allowing air to travel in and out.

It can also refer to special cells in plants that help move water.

What is the Trachea?

The trachea is a strong, flexible tube that is part of your respiratory system. In adults, it's usually about 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) long and about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide. It starts just below your voice box (larynx) and goes down into your chest.

What is the Trachea Made Of?

The trachea is special because it's made of about 16 to 20 C-shaped rings of tough, flexible tissue called cartilage. These rings are like tiny, strong hoops that keep the trachea open all the time. The open part of the "C" faces towards your esophagus (the tube that carries food to your stomach). This design allows your esophagus to expand when you swallow food, without squishing your windpipe.

The Inner Lining of Your Windpipe

The inside of your trachea is covered with a special lining. This lining has two important parts:

• Mucus: This is a sticky substance that traps dust, germs, and other tiny particles that you breathe in.
• Cilia: These are tiny, hair-like structures that constantly wave back and forth. They sweep the mucus and anything trapped in it upwards, away from your lungs. This way, you can cough or swallow these particles, keeping your lungs clean and healthy.

How Does Your Trachea Work?

The main job of your trachea is to act as a clear pathway for air. When you breathe in, air travels from your nose or mouth, through your throat, and then down into your trachea. From the trachea, the air goes into two smaller tubes called bronchi, which then lead into your lungs. When you breathe out, the air follows the same path in reverse.

Why is the Trachea So Important?

Without a healthy trachea, you wouldn't be able to breathe properly. It ensures that air can always reach your lungs, which is essential for getting oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide. It also protects your lungs by filtering out harmful particles from the air you breathe.

Tracheids: The Plant Version

While the main topic is the animal trachea, the word "trachea" can also refer to something similar in plants!

• Tracheids are long, thin cells found in the xylem of vascular plants.
• The xylem is like the plant's plumbing system.
• Tracheids help to transport water and minerals from the roots up to the rest of the plant, like leaves and flowers.
• They also help to support the plant, giving it strength.