Anatomy A215 Virtual Microscopy
Trachea
 
 

The trachea and bronchial system provide the passageway for air to move in and out of the lungs. The basic divisions are:
  • The trachea, a cartilaginous and membranous tube, about 2.5 cm (1 in.) in diameter and 11
    cm. (4.3 in) long. It begins at the lower part of the larynx and descends behind the arch of the
    aorta where it divides into left and right primary bronchi.
  • The bronchial system, which begins at the division of the trachea into the two primary bronchi. The
    bronchi will continue to divide into smaller branches until reaching areas where gas exchange
    (respiration) can take place.

This TRACHEA virtual slide includes all the elements of the trachea. You should be able to identify:
  • The mucosa
  • The pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
  • The hyaline cartilage of the tracheal rings
  • The adventitia
 
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