What is the medical term for the windpipe?

The medical term for the windpipe is the trachea. It is a hollow, flexible airway that carries air from the larynx in the throat toward the two main bronchi, which lead into the lungs.

The trachea stays open because its front and sides are reinforced by a series of C-shaped rings made of cartilage. The open part of each ring faces backward toward the esophagus, allowing that food tube to expand when a person swallows. A band of muscle closes the rear gap and can adjust the airway’s diameter.

The inner lining contains mucus-producing cells and cilia, tiny hair-like structures that move trapped dust and microorganisms upward toward the throat. This cleaning system works alongside coughing to protect the lower respiratory tract.

The larynx sits above the trachea, while the bronchi begin where the trachea divides. The esophagus lies behind it, so confusing the windpipe with the food pipe is a common mistake. During some operations, a breathing tube is placed into the trachea; this is called tracheal intubation.