What is the trachea?

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a crucial part of the respiratory system that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi, which leads to the lungs. It is a tubular structure that allows air to pass freely from the throat to the lungs for respiration. Comprised of C-shaped rings of cartilage, the trachea maintains its rigidity, preventing it from collapsing and ensuring that airflow is unobstructed.

Understanding the context of the other options clarifies why the trachea is the correct choice. The bronchi are the major air passages that branch from the trachea into the lungs, while the bronchioles are finer branches of the bronchi. Alveoli are the tiny air sacs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs, but they are not the same as the trachea. Each of these structures plays a significant role in the overall function of the respiratory system, but the distinct definition and functionality of the trachea identify it specifically as the windpipe.