Question

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

Answer 1

The cartilage rings are C-shaped because the back of the trachea presses against the esophagus. The cartilage opens at the esophagus and is replaced by connective tissue and muscle. This gives the esophagus space to allow food to be swallowed easily. The function of the cartilaginous rings of the trachea is to stabilize the trachea and keep it rigid while allowing the trachea to expand and lengthen when the person breathes.

Figure : Trachea