trachea

1 membranous tube with cartilaginous rings that conveys inhaled air from the larynx to the bronchi [syn: windpipe]

2 one of the tubules forming the respiratory system of most insects and many arachnids [also: tracheae (pl)]

see Trachea

English

Pronunciation

• /'treikiə/

Noun

1. A thin-walled, cartilaginous tube connecting the larynx to the bronchi; the windpipe

Derived terms

• tracheal
• tracheitis
• tracheotomy
• tracheostomy

Translations

See also

• oesophagus, esophagus
• gullet
• throat
• windpipe

Italian

Noun

1. trachea, windpipe

Derived terms

• tracheale
• tracheide
• tracheite
• tracheo-
• tracheobronchite
• tracheoscopia
• tracheotomia

See also

• esofago
• gola

Trachea is a common term for an airway through which respiratory air transport takes place in organisms.

Air is transported through the Bold texttrachea. The cells that line the trachea have minuscule hair-like cilia, which collects any dust that is inhaled, and prevents it from entering your lungs C.A.B.. It is then removed by coughing.To prevent food from entering the windpipe, the trachea has a small flap of skin at the entrance called the epiglottis. During deglutition, this flap closes over the trachea to prevent food from entering.

• Vertebrate trachea: in terrestrial vertebrates, such as birds and mammals, the trachea allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to move from the throat to the lungs
• Invertebrate trachea: in terrestrial invertebrates, such as onychophorans and insects, trachea conduct air from outside the organism directly to all internal tissues