Multiple choice

The trachea is prevented from collapsing due to the presence of

  1. bony rings

  2. fibrous rings

  3. cartilage rings

  4. all of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The trachea (windpipe) is reinforced with 16-20 C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage that prevent it from collapsing during inhalation when intrathoracic pressure drops. The cartilage rings are incomplete posteriorly (C-shaped) to allow the esophagus to expand during swallowing. Bony rings do not exist in the trachea.

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