Trachea : Parts of the body

                                              

                   
       

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube about 4 inches long and less than 

an inch in diameter in most people. The trachea begins just under the larynx (voice box) and 

runs down behind the breastbone (sternum). The trachea then divides into two smaller tubes 

called bronchi: one bronchus for each lung.

The trachea is composed of about 20 rings of tough cartilage. The back part of each ring is 

made of muscle and connective tissue. Moist, smooth tissue called mucosa lines the inside of 

the trachea. The trachea widens and lengthens slightly with each breath in, returning to its 

resting size with each breath out.

                                              Trachea Conditions 

Tracheal stenosis :  Inflammation in the trachea can lead to scarring and narrowing of the 

windpipe. Surgery or endoscopy may be needed to correct the narrowing (stenosis), if severe.

Tracheoesophageal fistula : An abnormal channel forms to connect the trachea and the 

esophagus. Passage of swallowed food from the esophagus into the trachea causes serious 

lung problems.

Tracheal foreign body : An object is inhaled (aspirated) and lodges in the trachea or one of 

its branches. A procedure called bronchoscopy is usually needed to remove a foreign body 

from the trachea.

Tracheal cancer : Cancer of the trachea is quite rare. Symptoms can include coughing or 

difficulty breathing.

Tracheomalacia : The trachea is soft and floppy rather than rigid, usually due to a birth 

defect. In adults, tracheomalacia is generally caused by injury or by smoking.

Tracheal obstruction :  A tumor or other growth can compress and narrow the trachea, 

causing difficulty breathing. A stent or surgery is needed to open the trachea and improve 

breathing.

                                                   Trachea Tests

Flexible bronchoscopy :  An endoscope (flexible tube with a lighted camera on its end) is 

passed through the nose or mouth into the trachea. Using bronchoscopy, a doctor can 

examine the trachea and its branches.

Rigid bronchoscopy : A rigid metal tube is introduced through the mouth into the trachea. 

Rigid bronchoscopy is often more effective than flexible bronchoscopy, but it requires deep 

anesthesia.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging : An MRI scanner uses radio waves in a magnetic field to create 

images of the trachea and nearby structures.

Chest X-ray : A plain X-ray can tell if the trachea is deviated to either side of the chest. An X-

ray might also identify masses or foreign bodies.

                                          Trachea Treatments

Tracheostomy : A small hole is cut in the front of the trachea, through an incision in the 

neck. 

Tracheostomy is usually done for people who need a long period of mechanical ventilation 

(breathing support).

Tracheal dilation : During bronchoscopy, a balloon can be inflated in the trachea, opening a 

narrowing (stenosis). Sequentially larger rings can also be used to gradually open the 

trachea. 

Laser therapy : Blockages in the trachea (such as from cancer) can be destroyed with a high-

energy laser.

Tracheal stenting :   After dilation of a tracheal obstruction, a stent is often placed to keep 

the trachea open. Silicone or metal stents may be used.

Tracheal Surgery : Surgery may be best for removing certain tumors obstructing the trachea. 

Surgery may also correct a tracheoesophageal fistula.

Cryotherapy : During bronchoscopy, a tool can freeze and destroy a tumor obstructing the 

trachea.

If a baby is born  without a trachea — the cartilaginous tube through which we breathe, 

then such a condition is called tracheal agenesis, and it is extremely rare. ... Such a baby 

dies silently, having never drawn a breath. Only a few of these babies, and only because 

of extraordinary surgical interventions, have survived.

              Readers, tell me , did you find today's post informative?

                     I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. 

Information courtesy Google.

Day 1. Arms : Parts of the body         Day 2. breasts : Parts of the body

Day 3.Chin & Cheeks                         Day 4. Dimples 

Day 5. Eye                                        Day 6. Feet

Day 7 . Gums/Gingiva                       Day 8. Hair 

Day 9. Intestine                                Day 10. Jaws                                   

Day 11. Kidneys                                Day 12. Lungs

Day 13. Mouth                                  Day 14. Nails 

Day 15. Ovary                                      Day 16. Pituitary-gland

Day 17.  Quadriceps                             Day 18.  Ribs                        

Day 19. Spleen