A Highway to the Lungs
Function:
Your windpipe is a tube-like structure within the neck and upper chest. It transports air to and from the lungs when a person breathes. Each time you inhale, air travels from the nose and mouth, down through the trachea, and into the lungs. As you exhale, the air travels out of your lungs, back up the trachea, and out of your nose and mouth. The windpipe also helps defend against disease by capturing disease-causing pathogens, like bacteria and viruses, in the mucus before they can enter your lungs.
The primary function of the windpipe is to transport air to and from the lungs. Without a trachea, a person would not be able to breathe. In addition to transporting air, the trachea helps defend against disease.
Fun Fact:
The trachea contains smooth muscle that aids in coughing.
*This site content is provided for informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have medical questions and/or concerns, please contact a medical professional.