Definition
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is the main airway that carries air into your lungs. It's a tube made of cartilage rings, which keep it from collapsing. Think of it as the main road leading to a city. The trachea extends from the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. It's lined with cells that produce mucus to trap debris. Like a vacuum cleaner hose, the trachea ensures unobstructed airflow.