Changes

**The structural conformation of the trachea prevents collapse due to traction forces, whilst allowing it to adjust in length and diameter as the neck moves and the [[Diaphragm - Anatomy & Physiology|diaphragm]] contracts.  

**The structural conformation of the trachea prevents collapse due to traction forces, whilst allowing it to adjust in length and diameter as the neck moves and the [[Diaphragm - Anatomy & Physiology|diaphragm]] contracts.  

*The trachea's walls are made up of a number of layers: Inner Mucosa, Fibrocartilaginous middle layer, and and adventitia (in the neck) or serosa (in the thorax).

*The trachea's walls are made up of a number of layers: Inner Mucosa, Fibrocartilaginous middle layer, and and adventitia (in the neck) or serosa (in the thorax).

*The inner mucosa contains glands which produce mucus. This mucus traps debris and is constantly moved upwards towards the [[Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|oropharynx]] where it is swallowed. This mechanism is known as the [[Respiratory Epithelium - Anatomy & Physiology#Mucociliary Escalator|''Muco-Ciliary escalator'']].

*The inner mucosa contains glands which produce mucus. This mucus traps debris and is constantly moved upwards towards the [[Oral Cavity - Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|oropharynx]] where it is swallowed. This mechanism is known as the [[Respiratory Epithelium - Anatomy & Physiology#Mucociliary Escalator|''Muco-Ciliary escalator'']].

==Function==

==Function==