Trachea – Conducting Zone (Nursing)

00:01 So the next structure, in are lower respiratory tract that is inferior to the larynx is going to be the trachea.

00:10 We also refer to this as the windpipe.

00:13 This is going to extend from the larynx into the mediastinum where then is going to divide into two main bronchi.

00:21 It is about 4 inches long, and about 3/4 of an inch in diameter, and it is very flexible.

00:29 This flexibility is due to the rings of cartilage known as the tracheal cartilages.

00:37 The walls of the trachea are composed of three main layers, you have the mucosal layer, which includes the ciliated pseudostratified epithelia with goblet cells.

00:50 These goblet cells are important for mucus production.

00:54 And this mucus is there to trap particles and dust.

00:58 The cilia, that is a part of the epithelium are then able to sweep these trap particles and dust away from the lower respiratory tract.

01:08 The middle layer of the trachea is the submucosa.

01:12 This is going to contain connective tissue with also semorosero mucous glands.

01:18 This is also supported by the cartilage rings and prevent the collapse of the trachea.

01:26 The outermost layer is going to be composed of connective tissue and is referred to as the adventitia.

01:36 At the posterior portion of the trachea.

01:39 We have a group of smooth muscle fibers known as the trachealis muscles.

01:46 These muscles are important for contraction during coughing in order to expel mucus.

01:53 When they contract they constrict the trachea and cause air to be forced up into the airway.

02:01 At the very bottom of the trachea or the most inferior portion of the trachea.

02:07 We have a structure known as the carina.

02:11 It includes the last tracheal cartilage and an expanded and found at the point where the trachea will then branch into the two main bronchi.

02:21 This area of the trachea is highly sensitive and if, particles or foreign objects are to come in contact with the mucosa and the carina, usually violent coughing will commence.