Anatomy of the Lower Airways – Larynx and Trachea

The Larynx, trachea and the main bronchi together form the extrapulmonary lower airways. After air has been warmed and moistened in the upper airways (nose and pharynx), it passes through the larynx – the guardian of the airways. the larynx separates the trachea from the esophagus and is the organ from which voice is produced. The air then passes the tube-shaped trachea, which bifurcates into two main bronchi at its end, which then split apart to form the bronchial tree. Intrapulmonary, the air reaches its destination in the small bronchioles and in the adjoining alveoli, where gas exchange takes place. This article provides you with an extensive overview of the lower airways – larynx and trachea.