trachea

Function of the trachea

airway that connects the mouth and nose into the thoracic cavity.

The trachea branches into two bronchi which supply each lung with air.

Ciliated epithelium

goblet cells

cillia

bacteria

ciliated epitherlium prevents

goblet cells secrete mucus which traps pathogens, dust and other debris.

The cilia move mucus towards the back of the throat where it can be swallowed.

Bacteria will be destroyed by the stomach acid.

The ciliated epithelium helps prevent harmful substances from being able to get down into the delicate lungs.

Glandular tissue

within the walls of both trachea and bronchi and secrete mucus in addition to that secreted by the goblet cells.

Rings of cartilage in the trachea:

cartilage is to keep the trachea open during breathing so air can pass freely.

full rings might make it easier for food passing down the oesophagus to be restricted by the cartilage if it did not have a gap at the back resulting in it getting stuck.

Location and function of smooth muscle

between the opem ends of the …… of cartilage

when the muscles contract the ….. closer together n…. the l…. of the t…

restrict a…fl… if needed to protect the l..

located between open ends of the C-rings of cartilage.

when muscle contracts it brings the ends closer together narrowing the lumen of the trachea

restrict airflow if needed to protect the lungs.

elastic tissue

enable the trachea to spring back into shape when the smooth muscles relax.

check powerpoint for diagrams