Let's simply learn about the main tube of our respiratory system: the trachea (windpipe).

Have you ever wondered how the air we breathe in, that is, oxygen, gets to our lungs? There is a very important, but not often talked about, special 'tube' in our body that helps with this task. We usually call this the " bronchi ". In medicine, we call this the trachea, or in English, the `trachea`. Today, we will talk about everything very simply.

What is the trachea?

Simply put, the trachea is a long, U-shaped tube that connects your larynx, which is your voice box, and your lungs. It is a very important part of our respiratory system.

Imagine that when you breathe in, air enters through your nose or mouth, passes through your throat, and enters your larynx. Then, the air travels down your trachea, where it divides into two branches called bronchi, which then enter your lungs. The trachea is shaped like the trunk of a Y.

What is the tracheobronchial tree?

While this is a big name, the concept is very simple. Your trachea is part of a system called the "tracheobronchial tree." Strictly speaking, this is the entire pathway through which air travels to the lungs and gas exchange (i.e., taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide) occurs.

The main parts of this tree are:

• Trachea: This is the part that looks like the main trunk of the tree.
• Bronchi: The two large branches that divide near the entrance to the lungs.
• Bronchioles: These are the smaller branches that branch off from the larger ones and spread throughout the lungs, much like the branches of a tree branching off.

What is really happening with this? The function of the trachea

The main and most important function of the trachea is to carry air into and out of the lungs. This tube is somewhat strong, yet flexible, and provides a permanent path for oxygen to enter the body without any obstruction.

Here's how the trachea works together with your respiratory system when you breathe:

1. Inhalation:

• First, air enters your nose and mouth and enters your trachea.
• It then travels down the trachea and enters the right and left bronchi.
• From there, it goes further into the lungs through the small bronchioles.
• Finally, it travels to the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli. This is where your body takes in oxygen from the air and releases unwanted carbon dioxide from the blood into the air.

2. Exhalation:

• When you exhale, the same process happens in reverse. That is, air filled with carbon dioxide from the nostrils moves up through the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, and out through the nose and mouth.

Where is this trachea located? How big is it?

Your windpipe is located in the lower part of your neck and upper part of your chest, just below your larynx (voice box). It's located at the bottom of your neck, behind the small groove where the two collar bones meet. It's also located in front of the food pipe, the esophagus, which is where we swallow food.

The average adult's trachea is about 4 inches (10 centimeters) long , which is about the width of your palm. It is also about an inch (2.5 centimeters) wide , which is about the width of an adult's thumb.

What is the trachea made of? A surprising structure

The trachea is not just a tube. It is very specially designed. It is made up of about 16 to 20 rings of cartilage that are joined together. Cartilage is a strong, flexible tissue found in places like our earlobes and the tip of our nose. These rings of cartilage keep the trachea open without clogging.

There is also a very amazing mechanism inside the trachea. Let's take a look at that.

What are the diseases that affect the respiratory tract?

Like any other organ, the respiratory tract can be affected by a variety of medical conditions. Some of them include:

• Tracheal cancer: A cancer that begins in the cells of the trachea.
• Tracheal obstruction: Blockage of the trachea due to a foreign object or tumor.
• Tracheal stenosis: Narrowing of the trachea due to an infection, accident, or other cause. This causes difficulty breathing.
• Tracheitis: Inflammation and swelling of the trachea, often caused by an infection such as a cold. Coughing is a major symptom.
• Tracheoesophageal fistula: An abnormal opening or connection between the trachea and esophagus (food pipe). This is often a congenital condition.
• Tracheomalacia: A condition in which the cartilage in the trachea, especially in newborns, becomes weak, causing it to constrict when breathing.

How do we keep our respiratory system healthy?

There are a few simple things you can do to keep your airways, lungs, and entire respiratory system healthy:

• Avoid smoking: Quit smoking and other tobacco products completely. Also, avoid breathing in secondhand smoke when others smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight for your height is very important for the respiratory system.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise strengthens your lungs and heart.
• Protect yourself from airborne toxins: Reduce your exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes, and excessive dust as much as possible.
• Keep your home clean: Change your home's air filters on time. Clean and dust your home regularly.
• Wear a protective face mask: If you are frequently exposed to allergens, dust, or chemical fumes at work or elsewhere, be sure to wear a suitable face mask.

When to seek emergency medical attention!

Difficulty breathing is never something to be taken lightly . If you or someone else has any of the following symptoms of difficulty breathing, call 1990 immediately for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).

If you have any of these symptoms, don't try to treat them at home. Every second is precious. See your doctor or go to a hospital immediately.

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