puhalluksesta

Puhalluksesta, also known as the windpipe or trachea, is a crucial part of the respiratory system in humans and other vertebrates. It serves as a conduit for air to pass from the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi, which branch into the lungs. The trachea is typically about 10 to 15 centimeters long and is supported by a series of C-shaped cartilage rings that prevent it from collapsing during breathing. These rings also allow the trachea to expand and contract as needed.

The trachea is lined with mucous membranes that produce mucus, which helps trap particles and prevent them from entering the lungs. This mucus is then moved along the trachea by tiny hair-like structures called cilia, which beat rhythmically to propel the mucus towards the throat, where it can be swallowed or coughed out.

The trachea plays a vital role in protecting the lungs and ensuring that oxygen is efficiently delivered to the body's tissues. It is also a common site for medical procedures, such as bronchoscopy, which involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the trachea to examine the lungs.

In cases of injury or disease, the trachea can be affected. For example, conditions like tracheitis (inflammation of the trachea) or tracheal stenosis (narrowing of the trachea) can occur. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct these issues and restore normal breathing function.