Question

What is the importance of rings of cartilage in trachea ? Why is it C shaped ?

Answer 1

importance of rings of cartilage in trachea

1. The cartilage rings are present in the trachea to prevent it from collapsing.
2. This enables the lumen of the trachea to stay open during breathing.
3. The cartilaginous rings are incomplete to allow the trachea to collapse slightly so that food can pass down the esophagus.
4. A flap-like epiglottis closes the opening to the larynx during swallowing to prevent swallowed matter from entering the trachea.
5. C-shaped cartilaginous rings reinforces the anterior and lateral sides of the trachea to protect and maintain the airway open. (The cartilaginous rings are incomplete because this allows the trachea to collapse slightly to allow food to pass down the esophagus.)