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Review
. 2025 Feb;35(1):1-10.
doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2024.08.003. Epub 2024 Oct 15.

Anatomy of the Trachea

Nikhil Panda  1 , Hugh G Auchincloss  2
Affiliations
Review

Anatomy of the Trachea

Nikhil Panda et al. Thorac Surg Clin. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

The trachea serves as a conduit for inspiration and expiration of air; apparatus for phonation; mucociliary escalator for airway clearance and pulmonary defense; and allows for the more distal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Each of these functions is a result of the embryologic development and resultant structural anatomy of the trachea. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of tracheal embryology and anatomy, including endoscopic anatomy and airway imaging techniques.

Keywords: Endobronchial anatomy; Tracheal anatomy; Tracheal embryology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures The authors have nothing to disclose.

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