11 Questions
At what level of the cervical vertebrae does the trachea begin as a continuation of the larynx?
Sixth cervical vertebra
What type of epithelium lines the mucous membrane of the trachea?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
What type of cartilage is embedded in the wall of the trachea?
Hyaline cartilage
What is the level at which the trachea ends in the thorax?
Disc between the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae
What connects the posterior free ends of the cartilage in the trachea?
Smooth muscle
What is the primary function of the U-shaped cartilaginous bars in the trachea?
To keep the trachea patent
Which structure is located in front of the second, third, and fourth rings of the trachea?
The thyroid gland
What is the characteristic of the trachea's mucous membrane?
It is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
What is the direction of the trachea's descent in the neck?
In the midline
At which level does the trachea bifurcate into the right and left primary bronchi?
At the level of the sternal angle
What is the function of the trachealis muscle?
To connect the posterior free ends of the cartilage
Study Notes
Trachea Structure and Location
- The trachea is a mobile, cartilaginous, and membranous tube that begins at the lower border of the cricoid cartilage at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra.
- It descends in the midline of the neck and ends in the thorax at the carina, dividing into right and left primary bronchi at the level of the sternal angle (opposite the disc between the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae).
Trachea Wall Composition
- The trachea is kept patent by the presence of U-shaped cartilaginous bars (rings) of hyaline cartilage embedded in its wall.
- The posterior free ends of the cartilage are connected by smooth muscle, the trachealis muscle.
Mucous Membrane of the Trachea
- The mucous membrane of the trachea is lined with pseudostratified, ciliated columnar epithelium.
- It contains many goblet cells and tubular mucous glands.
Relations in the Neck
- Anteriorly, the trachea is related to the skin, fascia, and isthmus of the thyroid gland (in front of the second, third, and fourth rings).
Trachea Structure and Location
- The trachea is a mobile, cartilaginous, and membranous tube that begins as a continuation of the larynx.
- It starts at the lower border of the cricoid cartilage at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra.
Trachea Path in the Neck
- The trachea descends in the midline of the neck.
Trachea in the Thorax
- The trachea ends at the carina, dividing into right and left primary (main) bronchi.
- This division occurs at the level of the sternal angle, opposite the disc between the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae.
Trachea Wall Composition
- The trachea has a fibroelastic tube kept patent by the presence of U-shaped cartilaginous bars (rings) of hyaline cartilage embedded in its wall.
- The posterior free ends of the cartilage are connected by smooth muscle, the trachealis muscle.
Trachea Lining
- The mucous membrane of the trachea is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.
- The lining contains many goblet cells and tubular mucous glands.
Relations in the Neck
- Anteriorly, the trachea relates to the skin, fascia, and isthmus of the thyroid gland (in front of the second, third, and fourth rings).
Learn about the anatomy of the trachea, its location, and composition. Understand its structure and functions in the respiratory system.
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