Anatomy
Windpipe, anterior of neck in front of esophagus, connects larynx (at level C6) and lungs (epiglottis in larynx closes, protects lungs against swallowed material from pharynx); c. 4″ long, 1″ diameter; splits into right/left bronchi level T5; epithelial lining with cilia and mucus provides part of conditioning of inspired air, trapped material wafted up, swallowed or eliminated as phlegm; 15-20 c-shaped (ie incomplete) cartilaginous rings protect/reinforce exposed front and sides; trachealis muscle wraps around trachea, on contraction (coughing eg) pulls c-ring ends closer together and reduces lumen, increasing air speed.
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