1. the main tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs; the windpipe
Usage: anatomy

Examples

• The doctor examined her trachea using a special scope.
• Food accidentally went down his trachea instead of his esophagus, causing him to choke.
• The trachea is protected by rings of cartilage.
• During the surgery, they had to insert a tube into the patient’s trachea.
• The trachea branches into two bronchi that lead to each lung.
• A tracheostomy creates an opening in the trachea to help with breathing.