Trachea

The trachea, or windpipe, is a cartilaginous tube connecting the larynx to the primary bronchi. Its C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings provide rigidity to keep the airway open, while the posterior membranous wall allows flexibility for swallowing. It is lined with ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium that traps and moves particles out of the airway. It is the main conduit for air to the lungs.